By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Riverlands remains in second place in the River Parish swim league after a 351-200 victory over local rival Belle Terre on Monday night.

The Stingrays led 66-42 after the freestyle and 135-81 after the backstroke. The lead grew to 253-158 once all individual events were through.

“There was always been a friendly rivalry between Riverlands and Belle Terre. (Assistant coach) Cody (Chaupetta) and I remember it from when we swam as Stingrays. A lot of kids swam against their friends, and that’s what makes it so much fun.

“The team really clicked on Monday, and the win was awesome for us.”

Riverlands’ Daniel Jaubert and Merryn Guidry took first in all three of their individual events.

Alex Zenicki, Luke Perret, Will Torres and Anna Guidry all captured a pair of first place crowns.

Gabbie Montz, Brett Landry, Wesley Melancon, Jacob Palmature, Grace Richoux, Valerie Perrilloux, Raigen Cosse, Emma Dooley, Riley LeBlanc, Elizabeth Prince and Caroline Bene each took a first place finish for Riverlands.

Cari Jane Roussel, Gage Alleman, Tyra Watkins, Meredith Buisson, Colby Watkins and Luke Nitschke swept all three of his individual events for Belle Terre.

James Krawczyk, Morgan Torres, Justin Jase and Maddie Torres rounded out first place winners for the Piranhas.

Riverlands was slated to race LaVacherie in its last meet of the season Thursday night. Results will be in next edition — a win would mean the Stingrays clinch second place in the River Parish Swim League.

Belle Terre had a bye, and finishes up on Monday against LaVacherie.

MEET MONDAY TO DETERMINE CHAMPION – Undefeated LARAYO will swim against fellow undefeated Hill Heights on Monday to determine the regular season league champion.

“This is very big for us,” said LARAYO coach Michelle Jensen. “Everyone on our team has been progressing very well, getting to practice, improving on their strokes. Our younger kids are developing.

“It should all help us against Hill Heights. Both teams will be ready.”

LARAYO defeated Ellington 451-100 on Thursday night to move to 6-0 on the season. Results from that meet and Monday’s Sun Villa meet will each be in Wednesday’s edition.