SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Webb City Cardinals claimed the Central Ozark Conference West girls swimming and diving championship Thursday at the COC Championships, while the Carthage Tigers claimed third place.
Webb City finished with 332 points to secure the West title, while Carthage placed close behind in third at 276 points. Republic finished second at 293 points.
The Cardinals' victory was powered by standout individual efforts and relay success. Kyla Potter led the way with a dominant performance in the 50-yard freestyle, clocking a winning time of 25.53 seconds to earn 16 points. Potter also placed second in the 100-yard butterfly (1:06.26) and anchored Webb City's strong 400-yard freestyle relay team.
Norah Klosterman added a key win in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:43.27, while Aspen Ritchie took second in the 200-yard individual medley (2:24.89) and third in the 100-yard freestyle (58.95). Webb City's 200-yard freestyle relay finished second behind Republic, and their 400-yard freestyle relay took second to Republic as well.
Diving proved crucial for the Cardinals, with Aubrey Peterson winning the 1-meter event with a score of 202.50.
Carthage showed depth and resilience, particularly in individual events. Olivia Manning dominated the 200-yard IM (2:22.28) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.18), earning 32 individual points for the Tigers. The Carthage 200-yard medley relay team of Caelyn Samuelson, Olivia Manning, Kamryn Dininger and Rylee Wallace won the COC West division with a time of 2:01.13.
Kamryn Dininger placed third in the 50-yard freestyle (27.10), and the Tigers' 400-yard freestyle relay took third. Carthage also had strong showings in longer events, with Kensley Yost taking third in the 500-yard freestyle (6:53.37).
Joplin competed valiantly despite finishing lower in the team standings. Brylea Smith earned a third-place finish in the 200-yard IM division for COC West with a time of 2:32.69 in the 200 freestyle and 1:21.52 in the 100 breaststroke. The Eagles' 200-yard medley relay placed third in COC West (2:24.42), and their 200-yard freestyle relay took fourth.
Glendale Falcons won the overall COC title with 357.5 points, far ahead of the field in the combined East and West divisions.