The Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim team competed at the Diane Lemon Invitational Meet in Regina on February 2 and 3.
Individual figures competitions were the focus on the opening day. Mackenzie Dahl finished in first place and Chanel Thievin was fourth in the 16 to 18 provincial stream category. Kelsey Potoma came in fourth in the 13 to 15 stream, and Nyla Dyck was sixth in the 11 and 12 category.
In the novice category, which is for athletes who are in their first season of competitive swimming, Hannah Mantei placed fourth, Brandi Peters came in fifth and Makenna Wock was sixth.
Duets were also included on February 2. In the 13 to 15 provincial stream category, Eden Palmer and Alyssa Weiting placed first, and Danika Poirier and Trinity Rooks placed third.
Flexibility testing opened up the competition February 3. Dahl took top place as the most flexible 16-year-old in the province, and Thievin was the most flexible 17-year-old.
Four athletes from the club then competed in the solos competition. Potoma placed third in 13 to 15 provincial stream category, and Mantei was first in the novice class.
The meet wrapped up with performances from a variety of clubs in the province. It started with the novice team of Mantei, Peters, Wock, Reagan Wall, and Courteny Reetz competing with their first team synchro routine. Their efforts were rewarded with a first place finish.
The Mermaids' 11 and 12 age group team – comprised of Dyck, Poirier, Rooks, Gemma Bittman, Caitlin Graham, Brooke Kruger, Marlie Weinrauch and Bailey Wock – placed third in their category. They were coached by Brenda Lyons.
In the 16 to 18 provincial stream category, the Mermaids took first place. Team members were Dahl, Palmer, Potoma, Thievin, Weiting, Whitman, Tracy Irwin and Taylor Kuntz. Tess Rensby and Shannon Wanner were the coaches.
"I am very proud of all the athletes that attended the Diane Lemon Invitational," said head coach Brenda Lyons. "The coaches were excited to see the growth in the athletes since their last figures competition in November."
Their next competition will be held in March.
