By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — While it didn’t result in victory for his Belle Terre team, coach Kyle Wilking could find little fault with the effort of his swimmers after a 318-226 loss at the hands of Hill Heights on Thursday.

A perennial top three finisher, Hill Heights got all they could handle from Belle Terre at times. The Piranhas trailed throughout, but outscored the Hurricanes in the breaststroke (56-47) and in the medley relay (42-28).

Hill Heights led 76-32 after the freestyle, the biggest spread of the night. The score was 143-73 after the backstroke, and 248-156 entering the relays.

“We expected a tough meet and we got the kids pumped up for it,” said Wilking. “We had some last minute changes that hurt us a little, but the kids surprised everyone I think. They showed they really wanted it, and if they keep this effort up over the next few meets, I think we’ll end up on top.”

Gage Alleman, Luke Nitschke and Colby Watkins swept all three of their events for Belle Terre (1-3).

Tyra Watkins and Sophie LeBoeuf each took two first place finishes.

James Krawczyk, David Gurley, Justin Jase, Jobe Kelly and Sophia Simon round out the Piranhas first place winners.

Wilking says that his team’s improved performance comes first from its attitude.

“The kids just believe that they can do it,” he said. “If they think they can, then they can. If not, you won’t get much out of yourself.

“We definitely put up a fight and held out hope at the end. We caught up a good bit in the relays. I feel like we showed a lot about ourselves.”