The Lady Crusader swim team did well this February 7 at the AAA Conference swim meet, placing second out of eight teams.

There were a lot of questions about how the team would do this year after losing about half of last year’s swimmers, but they have exceeded expectations.

“Getting second place at conference this year was really hard, but they stepped up and gave it everything they had and did what they had to do,” said head coach Jacquie Moutray.

Thirteen of the Crusaders advanced through the preliminary round on Tuesday to the championship round.

The relay team of senior Madeline Stransky, sophomore Payton McDowell, senior Sarah Nelson and sophomore Kate Nelson continued their dominance in the 200 medley relay, taking first place in conference. The relay team also placed second in the 200 freestyle relay. The Nelson sisters excelled individually too, medaling in several events. Sarah took first in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle, while Kate took home the gold in the 200 yard freestyle and silver in the 100 yard breaststroke.

The season is over for most of the team, and it is hard for the seniors to say goodbye.

“I’m definitely going to miss all of my teammates, swimming on relays with Sarah, and jammin’ on the bus before and after meets,” said Stransky.

Stransky and Sarah agreed on their favorite memory from their years together–a mystery Band-Aid.

“Two years ago… the first night of practice, we found a Band-Aid on the bottom of the diving block in our lane and it stayed there all November through February, and we’d always make Band-Aid jokes,” said Nelson.

Seniors Sarah Nelson and Kristina Green are saying goodbye to more than just their teammates, though. They will be leaving behind their sisters, Kate and Sarah.

“We have been swimming together forever so I’m gonna miss cheering her on because she does better when I am pushing her and it’s just not gonna be the same next year without her. She motivates me and I motivate her,” said Green.

Sarah, Kate, Stransky and McDowell will be swimming in the state championship next week at the Rec Plex in St. Peters. Their relay team will be swimming in the 200 yard medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay. Individually, Sarah will be swimming in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle and Kate will be swimming in the 100 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke. Good luck to the girls as they finish off the season!