Two perennially talented programs went at it Tuesday night, each unsure of who would be victorious, but knowing it would be a great meet. In the end, the Eagles were no match for the Lady Rangers as the swim and dive team beat Grand Rapids Christian 96-80.

The key to FHC’s first place victory was the final event swam of the night, the 400 Freestyle Relay, which gave the Rangers enough points to put them over the edge for the win. The relay clocked in with a state-qualifying time of 3:49.75.

“We knew it was going to be a really close meet going into it and it was probably going to come down to that last relay,” says senior diver Colleen Kramer. “We really pulled through.”

Other big points came from the 200 Medley Relay where the team of freshman Olivia Hooper, freshman Emily Johnson, junior Jessica Schellenboom, and senior Felicity Buchmaier took first. That group of four, consistently successful in every meet, did not break from their trend last night. Emily also placed fourth in the 50 Freestyle and third in the 100 Breaststroke. Jessica claimed first place in both the 100 Breaststroke and 200 IM, while Felicity took the gold in the 100 Butterfly and Backstroke. Olivia Hooper also carried over success into other events, taking fourth in the 200 IM and second in the 100 Backstroke.

“The whole team really just wanted to prove how strong we were and come together and that’s what we did,” Olivia says. “[This win] means a lot because Christian is one of our biggest rivals. It’ll motivate not just me, but the entire team going forward.

Many other swimmers had successful nights, including second-place finishes by sophomore Olivia Luplow in the 200 Freestyle and sophomore Hailee Sincerbeaux in the 500 Freestyle. Many other swimmers also had finishes in the top five for multiple events. Senior Abby Hier placed fifth in the 200 Freestyle and fourth in the 500 Freestyle. Senior Molly Weiblen earned herself a fourth place in the 200 Freestyle and second in the 100 Freestyle. Junior Katie Johnson took third in both the 500 Freestyle and the 200 IM. Sophomore Sarah Schenck secured a third-place finish in the 200 Freestyle and second in the 100 Butterfly. Sophomore Maggie Zorn took third place in the 100 Freestyle, as well as second in the 50 Freestyle.

“My success tonight really helped motivate me,” Maggie said. “It shows that the hard work this season is really paying off. [Looking forward] we’re just going to keep working hard, keep waking up early, and keep trying our best.”

The diving team, currently tied for the number one team in the nation, continued to show its strength and skill as they swept the top three places against Christian. Senior Nicole Carlson took third, senior Colleen Kramer second, and junior Anna Hansen first, with a personal record of 266.15 points.

“Anna had a season-high and lifetime-best [this meet], so that was really good for her confidence,” says head dive coach Jasmine Ramahi.

Ramahi emphasized the importance of confidence.

“This win was a really big confidence boost for us. Once you get a taste of that confidence, you want to keep building on it.”

Next week, the swim and dive team hopes to build on the new-found confidence as it faces the combined Northern-Eastern team. Swimmers, divers, and coaches alike are looking upon that meet with anticipation and excitement. It may or may not be common knowledge that all three Forest Hills schools share the FH Aquatic Center, but what may be surprising is that it is in use by both teams at the same time.

“It’ll be kind of fun because we practice with them every day and [now we] finally get to compete against them head to head,” Colleen says. “It’ll be especially fun because they’re our rivals.”

Both teams are strong in swimming and diving and it is a toss up of who will come out on top. Don’t miss this Battle of the Hills October 3 at the Aquatic Center.

The Rangers are confident, but executing what they practice is key. Next week’s meet will be a challenge, and no different than the start of their season.

“It’s anyone’s game. We’re definitely going to have to work for it.”