By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Riverlands improved to 2-1 Monday night via a victory on the road, besting Ellington 374.5-171.5.

The Stingrays led 65-43 after the freestyle and 132-83 following the backstroke. Riverlands capped the night on a high note by scoring a whopping 66.5 points in the freestyle relay.

“We’ve been doing well this season,” said Riverlands coach Lindsey Vicknair. “Our 13 and 14-year-old boys group is doing exceptionally well. Everyone on the team is working hard.”

Vicknair said one thing that has benefited the ‘Rays recently has been a change in the squad’s morning practice routine.

“Our older swimmers have been coming for the early session, followed by our young ones,” said Vicknair. “And our experienced swimmers are staying and helping the younger kids. They’ve really stepped up.”

Truman Treas, Shae Waguespack, Lauren St. Martin, Grace Richoux and Maggie Kippes led the way for Riverlands, each capturing three first place victories.

Briley Holley was a two-time winner, while Michael Romaguera, Lauren Laiche, Nathan Hall, Mia Oncale, Jack Chapman, Anna Guidry, Shana Breaux, Lane Gendron and Stevie Noyes each won events to round out the night’s winners for the Stingrays.

Vicknair said that as the team hits midseason, it’s time to shift gears for the stretch run.

“Everyone should have their technique down pat at this point. There should be no reason for silly mistakes or disqualifications, anything like that,” said Vicknair. “It’s more of a focus on improving our times, now.”