Swimmers from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy head toward state competition this weekend, after getting an idea of how they stack up at the Sept. 26 Speedo Classic Invitational on the University of Arizona campus.
At that event, the Lion girls finished seventh among a plethora of schools with 96 points.
Senior Erin Bleyl was a shining star for Pusch Ridge. She was second in the 100-yard backstroke with a 59.52, and second in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 54.54.
Chloe Peterson finished ninth in the 200-yard freestyle at 28.96. Hope Peterson came in eighth place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.50. The Peterson girls joined forces with teammate Bre Purcell to take ninth in the 200-yard medley relay. Then, in the 200-yard freestyle, Hope Peterson, Purcell, Bleyl and Sarah Mackenzie came together for a 10th-place finish.
Girls coach Mary Beth Bleyl had mentioned earlier in the season about how the team was looking forward to the invitational and its competition after being unbeaten in its first five meets.
The Lions scored well on the boys side at the Speedo Invitational.
Daniel Bleyl finished third in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 55.20. He was also fourth in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:08.49. Teammate Michael Aguilera was 16th at 2:17.49.
Coach Mary Beth Bleyl viewed Bleyl, Aguilera and Nate Stump as her top three boys. The team had started its season by winning four of its first five meets.
Boys and girls swimming and diving competition is this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, at the Kino Aquatics Center in Tucson.
