JOPLIN, Mo. — Area high school girls' swimming teams from Webb City, Carthage, Joplin, Nevada, and Carl Junction took part in the Southwest Missouri Women's Varsity Championships held recently at Hickory Hills Middle School.
Webb City emerged as the top local finisher among the group, placing fifth overall in the team standings with 255 points. The Cardinals had several standout moments across individual events and relays.
In the 200-yard freestyle, Norah Klosterman powered to third place in the championship final with a time of 2:07.63, securing a state-consideration cut and 22 points. She followed up with a strong showing in the 500-yard freestyle, finishing second in the championship final at 5:42.95 (23 points). Aspen Ritchie also contributed significantly, taking fourth in the 500 free (5:44.96, 22 points) and fourth in the 200 IM (2:26.04, 21 points).
Webb City's 200-yard freestyle relay team impressed with a third-place finish in the championship final (1:48.81, 44 points), and the squad added a fourth-place effort in the 400-yard freestyle relay (4:03.07, 44 points).
Carthage finished seventh in the team standings with 198 points. Olivia Manning led the way with a dominant performance in the 200 IM, winning the championship final in 2:19.79 (27 points). She also claimed first in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.16, 27 points). Kamryn Dininger added points with sixth in the 50 free (27.27) and eighth in the 100 free (1:00.01). The Tigers' 400 free relay team placed fifth (4:05.28, 40 points).
Carl Junction placed 10th overall with 157 points. Elsa Dogotch highlighted the Bulldogs' efforts with fourth in the 100 free (57.50, 21 points) and second in the 100 breast (1:09.57, 23 points). The 400 free relay team earned fourth (4:03.87, 42 points), and the 200 free relay took 13th in the bonus final (1:56.17, 14 points).
Joplin contributed in the 100 butterfly, with Brooklynn Lurten taking 11th in the consolation final (1:12.00, 10 points). In the 100 breaststroke, Brylea Smith placed 13th in the bonus final (1:20.67, 7 points).
The meet featured top competition from across Southwest Missouri, with Glendale taking first (399 points), Republic second (337), and West Plains third (319.5). Several swimmers achieved state-consideration cuts, positioning area athletes well for upcoming regional and state meets.