Last Friday, Feb. 8, the Lady Lancers competed against Parkway South for the Conference title and defeated them 513-468. After the devastating loss against the Patriots last year for the first time in 27 years, the Lancers regained the confidence to take back their title.

The pressure to win did not seem to affect the Lancer swimmers and divers, some of which reached personal bests, advancing them into State competition. Senior Laura Paskoff defeated Parkway South’s Samm Crocker in the 100 Freestyle and set a new personal best time of 53.15.

Also eager to redeem Lancer success, junior Mae Riordan won both the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. With strong competition from Parkway’s senior CeCe Etter, Riordan sustained a time of 5:05.28 to Etter’s 506.14.

In diving, senior Kelly Shaw took a respected second place, scoring 348. Trailing close behind her in fourth place, senior Emily Slater scored 336.95 points.

Also acheiving new season bests and state qualifications, junior Lauren Hansen took fourth place in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:59.88, while also placing fifth in the 100 freestyle with a time of 56.35 seconds. Also advancing to state are seniors Gretchen Cox and Taylor Holz in the 200 individual medley.