By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Piranha Swim Team didn’t have to wait long to bank its first win of the season.

In just its second meet, PST earned a 443-96 victory over visiting Ellington at Belle Terre Country Club. 

Eli Boudreaux, Alexandra Rutledge, Madison Falgoust and Sophia Simon led Piranha Swim Team (1-1) with three first place finishes each. 

Chris Hammett and Tyra Watkins each banked two wins while Nathaniel Weinert, Cole Volion, Calix Hammett, Kyla Cage, Victoria Upshaw and Corinne Broussard each took two first place finishes.

Jeremiah Emery, Mallory Fernandez, Lacey Lebouef, Justin Jase, Reece Reinbolt, Noah Williams, Cari Jane Roussel and Giselle Jase rounded out the winners for PST. 

Piranhas coach Blaine Tatje said his team’s coaches and swimmers are excited about the team’s growth from a season ago, when the squad “rebranded” with a new name and uniforms.

“The meet was great for us,” Tatje said. “We showed lots of improvement again from our performance last season. Our younger kids have been our strength, and that’s a great sign for the future.”

PST took a 79-29 lead after the freestyle event and rolled from there.

“I feel like we began generating some momentum last year and it’s carried over,” said Tatje. 

“We improved by 70 points against LARAYO, compared to last season, and here we improved our victory margin. It’s been a great start to the season.”