By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Defending River Parish Swim League champion LARAYO doesn’t boast the same staggering numbers as in years past. But the Barracudas still have plenty of skill, something that was on full display Monday night.

LARAYO bested visiting LaVacherie, 395-154, on the opening night of swim league competition this season.

The Barracudas (1-0) took a commanding 74-34 lead after the freestyle events and built their lead further from there, taking a 283-126 advantage into the relay events.

“I was very satisfied with our performance,” said LARAYO coach Michelle Jensen. “When you go into that first meet of the year, you just wonder how it’s gonna go, whether you practiced enough or perfected the little things like you needed to. But our swimmers did a nice job and we came out with a good win to start the season.”

LARAYO’s Lily Weber, Owen Weber, Abby Schiff, Ben Schiff, Emily Schexnayder, Kelsie Williams, Jacob Jensen and Maggie Trepagnier each made an impact, each taking three first place finishes.

Carson Weber and Austin Matherne each registered a pair of first place wins.

Joshua Jensen, Will Boucvalt, Cameron Brady, Olivia Icamina, Jackson Jensen, Jacob St. Pierre, Ben East and Cody Schafer each captured one first place finish to round out the LARAYO winners.

Jensen said that hosting the first meet provided a boost as it allowed many swimmers that also play other sports  for the club to pull double-duty.

“Especially when you’re (facing someone) traveling across the river, it’s an advantage to host,” she said. “We were able to have some of our girls finish their softball games and then get in the pool for us.

“I was really pleased overall. That first meet is your chance to see how far along you really are, and I thought we made a good impression.”