Fife Edges Out Cruisers by Narrow Margin

Eatonville High School's swim team opened its season with a narrow 83-80 loss to Fife at the Fife Aquatic Center on Tuesday Sept. 17th, in what Head Coach Andrea Stammen described as an incredibly close meet.

The Eatonville swim team members pose for a photo just prior to the Pledge of Allegiance being said. Photo: Andrea Stammen.

Despite the defeat, Eatonville showcased several standout performances. Senior captain Kaylee Bernt led the charge with dominant first-place finishes in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events. Junior captain Annika Howard delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the 200 individual medley, while senior captain Gracie Forsman won the 100 freestyle with a district-qualifying time.

Eatonville also claimed victories in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. The 200 relay team – comprised of Bella Wolters, Lily Hays, Annika Howard, and Kaylee Bernt – and the 400 relay squad of Nicole Tomyn, Annika Howard, Kaylee Bernt, and Gracie Forsman finished comfortably ahead of the competition.

In the 100 breaststroke, Forsman secured another district-qualifying time with a first-place finish, leading a 1-2 Eatonville sweep alongside freshman Jane Morish, who placed second.

"We had an insanely close match-up," Stammen said. "It really felt like a tie. Our girls looked amazing out there."

Eatonville looks to rebound in their upcoming meets on Tuesday Sept. 24 at Clover Park and Thursday Sept. 26 at Steilacoom. The team will have a chance for a rematch against Fife on Oct. 3.