By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Multi-time defending River Parish Swim League champion LARAYO wasted no time in letting its competitors know they the Barracudas are still the team to beat.

LARAYO downed Riverlands on the league’s opening night on Monday, 432-121 in a meet that the Barracudas controlled from the beginning.

The Barracudas (1-0) led 83-25 after the freestyle event and pushed the lead to 320-93 after all individual events were through. It won 16 of the night’s 20 relay events.

LARAYO coach Michelle Jensen praised her team’s effort across the board while also noting how especially pleased she was with the performance of her team’s younger swimmers.

“The younger ones did a very good job in all strokes. We’ve been working hard with them on the proper form, how to swim the breaststroke and backstroke.

“When you’ve got six and unders that can swim more than freestyle, it’s an asset.”

Emily Schexnayder, Madison Watson, Cody Schafer, Paige Williams, Brandon Klibert, Meredith Keating and Maggie Trepagnier were the high point earners of the night for the Barracudas, each capturing three first place finishes.

Jordan Jensen, Kelly Campbell, Alex East, Kaile Levatino and Josh Tamplain each took two first place finishes each. Riley Weber, Evan Brady, Luke Brouwer, Eden Simoneaux, Kelsie Williams, Will East, Spencer Rodriguez, Ben East, Chelsie Cupit, and Austin Matherne rounded out LARAYO’s first place finishers.

Jensen said that her team’s strong start bodes well for the season.

“I feel like we were prepared,” said Jensen. “I think good things are to come.”

For Riverlands (0-1), Alex Zenicki took a pair of first place victories.

Merryn Guidry, Brett Landry and Anna Guidry rounded out the Stingrays’ first place finishers at Monday night’s meet.