INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline High School swim team kicked off its first home meet of the season on Saturday, March 21, in impressive fashion, highlighted by multiple first-place finishes, personal best performances, and a strong wave of new regional qualifications. The Highlanders delivered a win against Sparks, securing an overall team victory.
Leading the way in the relay events, the girls’ 200 medley relay team of junior Sady Kelly, senior Katie Ferrall, freshman Elizabeth Hansen, and freshman Haddie Rudd captured first place with their fastest time of the season. The momentum continued in the girls’ 200 freestyle relay, where the A team—Ferrall, Kelly, Rudd, and Hansen—claimed another first-place finish with a season-best time of 2:04.43. The B team, consisting of senior Ashley Siminov, freshman Bellini Hane, sophomore Olivia Kranz, and freshman Justine Daniel, also delivered a strong performance, finishing third.
In individual events, several swimmers turned in standout performances. In the girls’ 200 freestyle, freshmen Elizabeth Hansen and Justine Daniel placed third and fourth, respectively, while juniors Jayden Mendoza and Grant Safford mirrored those results in the boys’ 200 freestyle.
A highlight of the meet came in the boys’ 200 individual medley, where freshman Finn Hadden competed in the event for the first time, finishing second and earning a regional qualifying time of 2:45.43—more than a minute under the qualifying standard.
Sprint events also showcased the team’s depth. Junior Sady Kelly won the girls’ 50 freestyle, with freshman Haddie Rudd finishing fourth; both swimmers qualified for regionals. On the boys’ side, sophomore RB Bruce drew cheers from the crowd as he completed his first-ever 50 freestyle race.
Head Coach Meagan Ballew praised the team’s effort and determination. “I was very impressed with how our swimmers competed today,” Ballew said. “We saw a lot of personal bests and a number of athletes qualify for regionals. It’s a great way to start the season.”
With a strong opening meet behind them, the Highlanders look ahead with confidence as they continue to build momentum toward the regional championships in May.
