By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — A decade of dominance continues for LARAYO. Another regular season championship is in the books.

The Barracudas saw their toughest challenge saved for last, as they faced off against Hill Heights to determine the River Parish Swim League championship.

The Hurricanes (4-2) would have to settle for runner-up status, just as they have the last two seasons, as the Barracudas rolled to a 384.5-169.5 victory.

“The focus has been there all year, and now you have the excitement,” said LARAYO coach Michelle Jensen. “It’s a very big accomplishment. It says a lot about our kids. I know we’ve got the numbers, and depth certainly helps. But you’ve also got to have the quality, especially when only the first heat counts. Our swimmers have worked hard all year and (Monday) was a big, big reward.”

It was the tenth consecutive season that LARAYO (6-0) has captured the regular season crown.

LARAYO wasted no time asserting its dominance, scoring 79 and 72 points respectively in the opening events, the freestyle and backstroke. A combined 142.5 points for the Barracudas in the breaststroke and butterfly extended its lead to 293.5-120.5.

While Hill Heights hung tough in the relays, LARAYO had things wrapped up tightly.

Maggie Trepagnier, Brandon Klibert, Kelsie Williams, Emily Schexnayder and Josh Tamplain racked up three first place titles for the Barracudas.

Austin Matherne, Chelsie Cupit, Paige Williams, Will East, Cody Schaffer and Evan Brady came away with a pair of first place crowns.

Catherine Monica, Ben Brady, Meredith Keating, Maddy Levet, Kelly Campbell, Josh Vicknair and Kaile Levatino wrapped up first place winners for LARAYO.

LARAYO now shifts gears, looking to the River Parish Swim Meet Invitational on July 9-11 at Sun Villa.

Just as the Barracudas are a multi-time defending regular season champion, they seek to once again defend the Invitational crown.

“We’ve gotta keep them in the water, kept them in shape and healthy,” Jensen said. “We’ve had our share of injuries. But we just need to continue to improve, focus on each strokes, and we should be okay.”