Chiefs swim and dive wins one, lose one

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School swim and dive team turned in a strong performance Tuesday as the soundly defeated the visiting Eastmont Wildcats 109-73.

"We were ready to roll and defend our territory," coach Tony St. Onge said. "It's nice to see the guys swim well after the loss to Walla Walla last Tuesday."

Zach Johnston, Brenden Eslick and Kaelen led the way for the Chiefs, taking first or second place in eight out of nine individual events. The trio also made up three legs of the 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay that finished in first as well.

"The three freshmen continue to stay on a roll," St. Onge said. "But we also have a lot of team depth as we've now qualified four swimmers in each event for districts."

Nick Price, who participated in the swimming and diving events, also turned in a good performance as he finished third behind Evan McFarland in the 100 breast stroke and fourth on the 1 meter board event.

"He's kind of like  a utility infielder in a baseball game," St. Onge said. "An all-purpose guy who continues to dive well and get better and better in the 100 breaststroke."

The swim and dive team looks to be peaking at the right time and will use he last few meets as a tune up for the post season.

"We've only lost two meets this year ... against Richland and Walla Walla," St. Onge said. "And they with the way we are swimming now, I expect us to win the rest of our meets. The target now is to get ready for districts."

The swim and dive team is back in the pool Saturday as the Chiefs take part in the Kentridge Invite at the Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

"It's a big-time high school meet with some teams coming from as far away as Canada and Nebraska," St. Onge said. "One of the biggest on the West Coast this time of year. It should be real exciting to watch all the talent in the pool."

Moses Lake's next home meet against Eisenhower and Davis is Jan. 19.

Walla Walla 93, Moses Lake 77

WENATCHEE - The Chiefs lost for just the second time this season, dropping a dual meet to the Blue Devils 93-77 Jan. 3.

The team turned in a solid effort, finishing first in four of 12 events and second in five other competitions.

"I thought the team swam well at their pool," St. Onge said. "We were minus a few good swimmers, but that's no excuse."

Leading the way for the Chiefs first-place finishers were Brenden Eslick, who took top honors in the 100 butterfly (55.49) and the 200 freestyle (1:51.25), Kaelan Connacher, first in the 100 backstroke (57.70), and the 200 yard freestyle relay team of Ben Breakey, Jacob Price, Reid Jackson and Evan McFarland, who finished with a time of 1:40.75.

"Brenden continues his on slot on the league and Kaelan and Zach Johnston ... two freshmen are really starting to stand out," St. Onge said. "Reid Jackson swam his best overall meet, finishing with personal bests in the individual meets and his best time in the relay events."