By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — LARAYO began its latest defense of its River Parishes Swim League championship with a win over crosstown foe Riverlands, 387-166, on Monday night at Riverlands.

The meet was in doubt due to inclement weather — rain and lightning flurries delayed the meet’s start for over an hour — but everything would finish as scheduled as the Barracudas (1-0) took an early lead and built on it from there.

“We’re off to a good start,” said Riverlands coach Michelle Jensen. “I’m glad we were able to get the meet in and not have to postpone it. In some ways it helped. A lot of our ballplayers were able to make it when they otherwise wouldn’t have. So that worked out … we were able to get accurate times on them in a race situation against another team.”

LARAYO led 70-38 after the freestyle and then 149-67 after the backstroke — the latter was the highest scoring event of the night for the Barracudas. A 70-point performance in the breaststroke all but sealed victory for LARAYO.

The Stingrays peaked in the freestyle event, its score of 38 a high on the night.

The Barracudas’ Emily Schexnayder, Ben Schiff, Kelsie Williams and Maggie Trepagnier each dominated, winning all three of their individual events on the night.

Grace Schexnayder, Josh Vicknair, Jacob Jensen, Austin Matherne and Cameron Brady each took first place in two events.

“Our kids swam well,” said Jensen. “The little ones swam very well and that’s something you’re always pleased to see early. Those young age groups, eight and under, are the ones where you aren’t quite sure what you’re getting or if they’re ready.

Rounding out first place winners for LARAYO were Ian Arnett, Jackson Jensen, Francesca Puglia, Evan Brady, Alex East, Cody Schafer, Spencer Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Lowry, Jeanne Levet, Chelsie Cupit and Ben East.

For Riverlands, Grace Richoux swept all three of her individual events, taking first in all. Evan Richoux took two first place finishes at the meet.

Jack Chapman, Anna Guidry, Albert Hane, Shelby St. Pierre, Mia Oncalle, Jordan St. Pierre, Stevie Noyes and Matt Torres also each walked away with first place honors.

Jensen said she was pleased with the relay events, particularly the 9-10 girls age group which she said put forth a strong winning effort.

“One of our top girls was out, and they all really stepped up,” said Jensen of the team consisting of Eden Simoneaux, Olivia Keating, Kelsie Williams and Kelly Campbell.

“They kind of surprised me. It was good to see.”