DESPITE COMPETING AGAINST schools with much higher enrollments, the Uni High Stingrays held their own at sectionals, finishing seventh overall.

Swimmers in 12 of 16 individual events achieved their fastest times of their careers. Two of the three relay teams also swam their best times of the season. But the success of the season was measured by more than placement at its culminating event.

"For me personally, [swimming] has always been a race against myself," said senior Aliisa Rantanen.

Both sophomore Erika Belmont and Rantanen agreed that finding enough practice time was a challenge for the team this year. Because pool time was hard to find with the closing of Kenney Gym's pool, most practices were held in the early morning at four different locations. Twice a week, the team also used two pools on the same day.

Rantanen thought one of the more unusual events of the season was an unusual night workout on Halloween. Two hundred "zombies" from a campus event surrounded the pool and sang "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. It's one of many things Rantanen will take from her career as a swimmer at Uni.

"The swim team has given me a lot of strength, literally and figuratively, which has helped me in everything. I have gained a lot of confidence, and many close friends. Even if I keep swimming [at a Division III school], it will not be the same without the people."

200 Medley Relay
Katie Ryan, Erika Belmont, Sian Best, Aliisa Rantanen – 2:05.23

200 Freestyle
Katie Ryan – 2:14.33 (season best)
Eunice How – 2:39.64 (personal best)

200 Individual Medley
Deborah Ladd – 2: 39.91 (personal best)
Lor Sligar – 3:01.29 (personal best)

50 Freestyle
Erika Belmont – 0:27.49 (personal best)
Aliisa Rantanen – 0: 27.49 (personal best)

100 Butterfly
Sian Best – 1:07.70 (personal best)
Natsuki Nakamura – 1:23.34

100 Freestyle
Aliisa Rantanen – 1:00.78 (personal best)
Maria Gao – 1: 16.03

500 Freestyle
Katie Ryan – 6:00.37 (personal best)
Deborah Ladd – 6:25.21 (personal best)

200 Freestyle Relay
Katie Ryan, Sian Best, Erika Belmont, Aliisa Rantanen – 1: 51.48 (season best)

100 Backstroke
Sian Best – 1:10.28
Maritza Mestre – 1:15.34 (personal best)

100 Breaststroke
Erika Belmont – 1:18.23 (personal best)
Diana Liu – 1: 28.21