By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The first step of Larayo’s attempt to defend its River Parish Swim League crown in 2008 was a successful one.

The Barracudas surged to an early lead and never looked back at home on Thursday night, as Larayo defeated Hill Heights, 371-180.

Brandon Klibert, Kaila Klibert, Maggie Trepagnier, Meredith Keating and Paige Williams each took first place finishes in all three of their events, pacing the Barracudas to their win.

Larayo coach Michelle Jensen said that the meet represented a good starting point for her team, while also demonstrating the versatility of some of her swimmers.

    “They were very flexible,” said Jensen, who switched some of her swimmers around from their usual events due to others missing the meet. “When we have scheduling conflicts as we did with baseball on Thursday, our swimmers swim where we need them.”

    Larayo led 65-43 after the freestyle event, and extended that to 133-83 after the backstroke.

    By the end of the butterfly, the lead had grown to nearly 100, 252-159. Finally, the Barracudas dominance in the relays shined through again, as they outscored Hill Heights 119-21 over the medley and freestyle relays.

    Jensen said that the times at the meet Thursday were faster than those in their earlier time trials.

    Larayo scored no less than 55 points in any event.

    “Our balance was good,” Jensen said.

    Others who captured multiple first place finishes include: Jordan Jensen, Will East, Austin Matherne, and Hailey Specht.

    Rounding out the first place winners were: Luke Brouwer, Kaile Levantino, Evan Brady, Cody Schafer, Patrick Adams, Ben East, Kelsie Williams, and Jeanne Levet.