Successful Swimming for the State Title

Sacred Heart Academy Aquavalks swam and dove to victory after achieving their fifth consecutive state title on Saturday Feb. 25 at the Ralph Wright Natatorium, totaling 28 state titles for the swim and dive team.

An abundance Sacred Heart supporters packed the stands as the Valkyries broke records and won races throughout the day.

The SHA 200 yard medley relay placed first with a time of 1:42.64. Freshman Claire Donan, sophomore Allison Bauer, junior Tonner DeBeer, and senior Brooke Forde took the win for the Valkyries. The Aquavalks also won the 400 yard freestyle relays with a time of 3:22.98 as Sophomores Allison Bauer and Sophia Miller, junior Tonner DeBeer, and senior Brooke Forde led the race.

Brooke Forde won the 200 yard freestyle race, beating her own state record in prelims, and beating that record in finals with a time of 1:44.68. Sophomore Sophia Miller placed eighth in the event.

When asked about her team’s performance, junior Ellie Masterson said, “The team really stepped up to the plate to help win another state title this year, especially our younger swimmers. We all work well with one another, which made the experience exciting and enjoyable.”

Masterson went on to take fifth place in the 200 yard IM race Saturday afternoon. Freshman Claire Donan finished in sixth.

Junior Tonner DeBeer also won the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 53.02, and Brooke Ford won the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 4:39.87, breaking Leah Stevens’ state record from 2013.

Sophomore diver Mary Ross also placed sixth in finals, the lone Sacred Heart diver of the day.

“I was definitely a little nervous going into the meet,” Masterson said, “but my nerves disappeared once the races began. I could not be happier with our performance and feel humbled to have been a part of this team for the past three years.”

To stay updated on Sacred Heart sports, follow @sha_sports on Twitter for more information.