Girls’ swim loses close meet to New Prague

Defeat strengthens bonds

Senior+Elizabeth+Schoenecker+competes+in+a+race+against+New+Prague+on+Sept.+21.+Despite+a+hard+fought+meet%2C+New+Prague+came+out+on+top.+

Claire Fillbrandt

Senior Elizabeth Schoenecker competes in a race against New Prague on Sept. 21. Despite a hard fought meet, New Prague came out on top.

Avery Stahl

After getting edged out in its meet against New Prague Sept. 21, Head coach Amanda Forsberg said the team performed to the best of its abilities and is satisfied by the team’s effort.“We lost but it was a really good meet,” Forsberg said. “We saw some really good times and people also dropped some times, which is really good to see.” 

Junior Nadia Kovalchuk said both the team and herself improved a lot on multiple things during this meet. 

“I improved mostly on speed, but I also improved on technique, especially on flip turns and strokes,” Kovalchuk said. “A lot of people improved and did better in the events they typically swim.” 

Senior Tenzin Dedhen said she felt that she still needed to improve more than she did, although she was fueled by the enthusiasm of the team.

“Honestly, It was an okay meet — not my best but I still enjoyed swimming my events today,” Dedhen said. “I loved the energy in the pool and it was a really fun meet overall.”

According to Forsberg, she is very proud of the younger team members in particular, as they’ve become a huge asset for the group.

“Some of the younger swimmers are really starting to step up, which is really helpful for the team,” Forsberg said.

Kovalchuk said she appreciated the team spirit and emphasized the importance of a supportive group. 

“When you know that your team is standing behind you and supporting you, it really helps,” Kovalchuk said. “Today, the more we cheered, (the more) it brought the team closer together.”

The girls will have the chance to build off of their team spirit when they face Chaska at 6 p.m. Sept. 28, at the Pioneer Middle School.