By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAVACHERIE – LARAYO continued to overpower River Parish Swim League competition on Thursday night, toppling host LaVacherie, 387.5-155.5.

LaVacherie kept things close in the freestyle, trailing 68-40 at its conclusion.

But LARAYO began to pull away from there, outscoring LaVacherie 70.5-37.5 in the backstroke and extending its lead to 268.5-141.5 after all individual events were through.

The Barracudas (3-0) swept the medley relay.

LARAYO coach Michelle Jensen said she was pleased with the results her younger kids turned in.

Two six and under swimmers — Emily Schexnayder and John Tamplain — swept their events, and 15 eight and under swimmers placed.

“Our youngest performed really well,” said Jensen. “I am very proud of them.”

Likewise, she praised her nine & 10 year olds for competing with a particularly tough group of nine & 10 swimmers at LaVacherie.

“They’ve got a number of them that swim year round,” said Jensen. “Four year-round girls. I’m really happy with our swimmers for sticking with them.”

Maggie Trepagnier, Meredith Keating, Ben East, Kelly Campbell, Emily Schexnayder and Josh Tamplain all captured three first place wins for LARAYO.

Paige Williams, Will East, Alex East and Josh Vicknair took a pair of first place wins.

Emily Brady, Dylan Klibert, Austin Matherne, Trey Cambre, Eden Simoneaux, Luke Brouwer and Evan Brady rounded out the first place winners for the Barracudas.