By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Sun Villa remained undefeated in 2014 last Monday, besting visiting Riverlands, 301.5-238.5. 

Mia Oncale and Alex Noel each captured three first place finishes for Riverlands.

Kody Cancella, Aubrey Westbrook and Shae Waguespack were each two-event winners while Creed Marix, Luke Bordelon, Briley Holley, Jack Chapman, Anna Guidry and Lauren St. Martin rounded out Stingray victors. 

The meet was a virtual deadlock through two events, the Sharks leading 56.5-51.5 and then 110.5-105.5 after the freestyle and backstroke respectively. Sun Villa gradually created space, though, taking a 217.5-182.5 lead into the relays. Riverlands was left needing to decisively win both relay events, but Sun Villa didn’t fade.

The Sharks (3-0) are in the midst of a breakthrough season, and Riverlands coach Lindsey Vicknair credited the Sharks for their rapid rise.

“I was totally impressed with Sun Villa,” said Vicknair. 

“I’m honestly excited for them. Obviously, we’d like to go out and win every meet, but we’re here to see all of these swimmers improve. The more competitive our league is, the more into it the kids are and the more fun and exciting it is for everyone.”

She credited Sun Villa’s veteran swimmers for creating the most separation.

“Their 15-18 year old group is impressive,” she said. “We hung tough but that group ultimately pulled them ahead.”

Riverlands (1-2) took on Ellington Monday (after deadline) and will finish its season with meets against LARAYO Thursday and Piranha Swim Team Monday.