Tension rises as varsity swimmers sophomore Kailey DeLozier, sophomore Sydney Hall, junior Neda Salamzadeh, senior Natalie Sandford, and senior Emmi Zheng race in their last state meet event for a hopeful high placement.

Assistant swimming coach Amanda Forsberg said the team placed 14th with a time of 1:39.88 in the 200 freestyle relay with Delozier, Hall, Salamzadeh and Sandford. Zheng placed 19th with a time of 1:08.21 in the 100 meter breaststroke.

Forsberg said the five swimmers who went to state exceeded her expectations.

“They all did really well, we were not expecting to get to state, it was a long shot, but they all did well,” Forsberg said.

Forsberg said the state team really excelled at the 200 freestyle relay by working well together as a team.

“Our relay was really good, we probably had the best relay we have had all season,” Forsberg said. “ Zheng looked really smooth in her 100 breast and it was a great way for Zheng and Sandford to go out as their last race, as seniors, for their high school career.”

Forsberg said one state swimmer in particular stood out to her because of her time drop.

“Hall dropped the most time, she had a big drop in the 50 free,” Forsberg said.

Hall said even though it was a strenuous meet, the team pulled through with good placement while swimming with her teammates.

“As a team I think we did really well overall, especially since our section is really tough.” Hall said. “With teams like Edina, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, we were able to hold down against those really fast teams.”