WESTWOOD - Kingsford earned a split in the pool against Westwood here Tuesday.
The Flivver boys, with Josh Johnson figuring in four wins, won 94-81. The girls, with Maria Pirkola and Michelle Scheibe each taking two firsts, fell 107-76.
"The Patriots have a large team this year that proved to provide some great competition to the Flivvers," coach Keith Freeman said. "With having a younger team this season, it is going to take a little extra work to help bring up the rear to help balance the top finishes that we were able to bring down.
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Keith Freeman Photo
Kingsford junior Aaron Pope swims to first during the anchor leg of the 400 freestyle relay Tuesday at Westwood. Other members of the winning swim were Tanner Walsh, David Plumley and Brandon Graves.
"Almost everyone was improving their times and their racing skills over last week's meet, but we still have some work to do on our starts and turns."
Johnson, Pirkola and Scheibe, possibly on their way to trying to complete an undefeated season in their individual events, led the Flivvers. Johnson was first in the 50 and 100 freestyle races. He also anchored winning relays in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle.
"Josh has managed to lead his relay teams to first place finishes after starting from behind," Freeman noted.
Other members of the 200 medley and 200 free teams were Steven Raboin, Keith Holmes and Pavel Hammar.
Other top Flivver finishes were turned in from Lacey Walsh in the 100 breaststroke and Tanner Walsh, David Plumley, Brandon Graves and Aaron Pope in the 400 freestyle relay.
Freeman commended Ashley Berger and Kassie Stelmaszek, who came to the aid of their team when a team member became ill half way through the meet.
"These swimmers were not maxed out in their events and graciously took on the extra events to help out the team," he said.
Freeman said having a couple meets completed has allowed him to look as some of the strengths each of the swimmers has to offer.
"I can start to plan what the usual events will most likely be for the members of the team," he said. "The new members to the team, who have not had prior swimming experience, have been doing well and have been earning their spots on the team as well.
I am proud of how this team is shaping up and I owe a lot to coach Tony Adams for helping these new swimmers find their strengths to keep moving forward."
The Flivvers will compete at the Westwood Relays on Saturday.
Top Finishers for the Flivvers:
Girls:
200 Freestyle - Michelle Scheibe
200 IM - Maria Pirkola
100 Fly - Pirkola
500 Freestyle - Scheibe
100 Breast - Lacey Walsh
Boys:
200 Medley Relay - Steven Raboin, Keith Holmes, Pavel Hammar, Josh Johnson
50 Free - Johnson
100 Freestyle - Johnson
200 Free Relay - Hammar, Raboin, Holmes, J. Johnson
400 Free Relay - Tanner Walsh, David Plumley, Brandon Graves, Aaron Pope