By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

 

LAPLACE — Riverlands and Hill Heights went back and forth all night in a meet that came down to the wire Thursday night.

But in the end, the Stingrays secured victory for the fourth time this season, besting the Hurricanes, 284-267, at Riverlands.

Riverlands led by a scant 207-204 margin entering the relay events, where the medley proved to give the Stingrays a final cushion. Riverlands outscored Hill Heights 42-28 in that event, and the teams tied at 35 all in the freestyle to salt away the win for the Stingrays.

Hill Heights took a 111-105 lead after two events, overcoming a six-point deficit after the freestyle to win the backstroke, 60-48.

Riverlands outscored Hill Heights in the breaststroke (56-51) and the butterfly (46-42) to take the lead back for good.

Thomas Chapman and Grace Richoux made a big difference, each winning a trio of events to lead the Stingrays.

Emma Dooley, Jack Chapman, Jacob Palmature and Jordan St. Pierre each won two events for Riverlands.

Alli Badeaux, Mia Oncale, Morghen Cosse, Trey Romaguera, Jillian Badeaux, Shae Waguespack, Shana Breaux and Maggie Kippes rounded out the winners for the Stingrays.