Hopes for better season

By Dean Wong

Last year the Ballard Beavers joined the elite girls swimming teams of KingCo, finishing third at districts and second at the state meet.

Despite the loss of eight seniors, the addition of five freshmen and some key returning player gives head coach Carlos Palacian reason to believe his Beavers will be better than last season.

"We have some really fast freshmen," said Palacian. "On paper, we are the fastest Ballard team we have ever had."

Some new sophomores and juniors have added to the team's strength and returning divers Karli Lafferti and Ruth Hook will balance the Beaver's lineup.

Briana Meyer is one of the team leaders.

"She is swimming better than I have seen her," said Palacian. "Her work ethic is really showing. She is a leader in the pool, the way she handles herself."

Linnea Scott was named to the KingCo All-District First Team in 2006.

"She is swimming fast and is doing very well," said Palacian.

Scott, Natalie Schlappi and Jenny Holt were voted co-captains.

They will help guide the freshmen. They include: Galen Bond; AnneMarie Thayer; Janine Warren; Dylan Miller; and Gailyn Portelance.

"These five ladies are very strong," said Palacian. "All of our freshman will score a lot of points for us."

Marja Scott, Katie Jo Burkland and Kaelan Gilman have improved making the beavers a very powerful team.

"I think we will do great," said Scott. "We're working hard. People are coming into the year excited."

Team speed is an asset in this sport.

"So far we are the fastest on paper," said Holt. "We have been improving all year."

"Our divers are doing very well, we have a lot of speed on the water and are loaded with talent," said Palacian. "The team is looking real strong."

The team is back at the Ballard Pool for practices and home meets. Last year the pool was closed for renovation.

Three time defending state 4A champion Inglemoor is the team to beat again and has reloaded with more talent. Garfield, Juanita and Ballard are the other top teams in a KingCo conference that had 7 teams in the top 20 at State last year.

"We are up for some real battles," said Palacian.

2007 Schedule:

Sept. 14, Eastlake, Redmond Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 21, Woodinville, Ballard Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 25, Lake Washington, Juanita Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 28, Bothell, Ballard Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 6, Redmond, away, 3:30 p.m.

(KingCo Meet Dive, Juanita, 8 a.m.)

Oct. 9, Inglemoor, Queen Anne Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 12, Franklin, Ballard Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 KingCo Meet Dive, Juanita Pool, 8 a.m.

Oct. 19, Garfield, Ballard Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Invitational, Juanita Pool, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27, KingCo Meet Dive, Juanita Pool, 8 a.m.

Nov.2-3, KingCo District 2 Meet, Juanita Pool, TBA

Nov. 9-10, State Meet, Federal Way Pool, TBA