HOUGHTON - Houghton sent its four girls' swimming seniors out with a bang, as the quartet played key roles in the Gremlins' one-point victory over Kingsford, their last home meet of the year.

The Kingsford boys had it much easier, taking a 110-36 decision.

"It's sad that it's my last race (in the Houghton pool), but I'm happy. It's time for me to be done," Houghton senior Laura Carroll said.

Carroll won the 100-yard breaststroke in one minute, 12.67 seconds and played key roles in the first (200 medley relay) and last (400 free relay) events of the day.

Houghton won eight of the 12 girls' events, but Kingsford's larger squad was able to make up the gap by notching points in lower places.

"The girls fell short but it was not for lack of effort," said Flivver coach Jim Lindstrom. "We made some changes in the lineup and it paid off in a big way.

"We have a good feel for how the finals team will shape up."

Claryce Porzondek, Stephanie Nelson and Izetta Voss won individual events for the Flivvers, with Porzondek pitching in on the winning 200 free relay team.

Flivver dive team added 10 points by going second (Terri Brown), third (Addie Bolden) and fourth (Tressa Jones).

Marie Judy, another first-year diver, did well in an exhibition.

"I am very happy at how well this girls team preformed," Lindstrom said.

Kingsford won every boys' event except for diving, which was taken by the Gremlins' Sam Maroste.

"The boys score was lopsided due to lack of numbers on the Houghton team," Lindstrom said. "The boys they did have competed well. They just don't have enough of them.

"Overall, the boys did well. We were moving some around trying to get the right fit for finals."

Andrew Mitchell, Nathan Winkler and Andrew Lindstrom were all two-time individual winners for the Flivver boys.

Coach Lindstrom highlighted the performance of 500 free swimmer AlecThurston, who won that event by 14.5 seconds.

"He dropped a ton of time (off his personal best). He was on a mission today and he completed what he wanted to do," coach Lindstrom said.

John Scheibe bested his own team record for diving points, scoring 138.15 in finishing second.

Both teams had one eye on U.P. Finals, which take place in Marquette Feb. 20 (diving) and 21 (swimming).

"I think we definitely have the capability to win. I know we can be top two, but I hope we can beat Marquette. I think we can," Carroll said.

(Brandon Veale is with The Daily Mining Gazette of Houghton)