By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Belle Terre began its summer swim season on a strong note, downing Ellington 285-232 at Ellington.

Belle Terre trailed by eight after the freestyle event but rallied to lead by five after the backstroke with an event-high 60-point performance. Ellington led 164-145 after the breaststroke and 197-187 after the butterfly, leaving up to the Piranhas relay teams to come through.

“It was really exciting going in to it. I’ve swam, I’d never been on this side of it,” said Haley Montz, who is entering her first season as Belle Terre head coach. “The kids have been working so hard at practice, so it was good to see us pull through.”

That they did, outscoring Ellington 98-35 over the medley and freestyle relays to nail down the win.

Tyra Watkins had a big night, taking first place in her three individual events.

Gage Alleman, Tiara Williams and Jacob Robinson each had two first place finishes.

Rounding out first place finishers for Belle Terre were Colby Watkins, Lacey LeBouef, Mary Catherine Montz, Nick Natal, Sophia Simon, Giselle Jase, Cari Jane Roussel and Morgan Torres.

The start of the meet was delayed due to rain and lightning. Montz said she was proud that her swimmers weren’t distracted by the late start and late night in general.

“Nobody let it bother them much,” said Montz.

“Everyone performed so well, especially with the meet going on so late into the night.”