BonnerSprings.com

Home pool advantage worked in Bonner Springs’ favor on Thursday, April 9, as the Bravettes defeated Shawnee Mission East and Turner.

East, a state powerhouse in Class 6A, sent its junior varsity squad to the meet, but coach Tierney Thompson said the competition was top-notch nonetheless because of East’s abundance of talent.

The meet’s pace did not allow for much recovery between races, but the Bravettes continued to turn in solid times.

“Our main focus was to give each swim 100 percent and remember all the things we’d practiced,” Thompson said. “I was very pleased with the results. The girls were exhausted but kept swimming with all they had until the very end.”

Emily Herre continued her standout season, winning the 100-yard backstroke and 100 butterfly while maintaining the record-breaking pace she began last year.

Thompson said she thinks Herre can improve in the second half of the season and whittle her times down even more.

Thompson is also hoping to have a relay team post a state qualifying time later this season — an ambitious goal for the small squad.

“We’re halfway done with the season, now it’s time to buckle down and see what the girls can do,” Thompson said. “In practice we are increasing yardage and continue on with our goal sets weekly. The girls are tired, but continue to work hard.”

The Bravettes were back in action at 4 p.m. Wednesday against Piper, Bishop Ward, St. James Academy, Osawatomie, Maur Hill Mt. Academy and Turner. Results were unavailable at press time.

“It will be interesting to see how they perform at their home pool. We hope to have a full house to cheer on the girls,” Thompson said.

They next compete at 4 p.m. Tuesday against Topeka Seaman, Topeka Hayden, Washburn Rural, Bishop Miege, Maur Hill and Osawatomie at the YMCA.

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