The Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim team competed in the Marj Simpson Invitational in Winnipeg on March 9 and 10.
Team members participated in individual figure, team dry land drills and team routine competitions. In the 10-and-under provincial stream category, Kendra Cossette placed sixth with a score of 45.918. Nyla Dyck was second in the 11 and 12 provincial stream at 52.918, Gemma Bittman was fourth at 51.420, and Marlie Weinrauch was fifth at 51.418.
In the 13 to 15 provincial stream, Kelsey Potoma earned first place with an overall score of 59.132, followed by Brooke Krueger and Alyssa Weiting, who were tied for third at 57.866, and Tracy Irwin, who was fourth at 57.2.
MacKenzie Dahl placed sixth in the 16 to 18 provincial stream with a score of 56.467.
In team dry land drills, athletes showcased one minute of their routine while on land. Judges give scores for such criteria as interpretation of music, precision of movements and facial expressions.
The 16 to 18 provincial team won for best synchronization. The exhibition team took the Judges' Call award, and the 11 and 12 provincial teams won for best artistic flair and for “Owning the Performance."
In team routines, the 16 to 18 provincial team of MacKenzie Dahl, Tracy Irwin, Taylor Kuntz, Eden Palmer, Kelsey Potoma, Chanel Theiven, Alyssa Weiting and Hannah Whitman placed second with a score of 54.779.
Estevan had three teams in the 11 and 12 provincial team category. Gemma Bittman, Nyla Dyck, Caitlin Graham, Brooke Krueger, Danika Poirier, Marlie Weinrauch and Bailee Wock were second at 48.415; Hannah Mantei, Courtney Reetz, Brandi Peters, Reagen Wall and Makenna Wock were third with 45.859; and Kendra Cosette, Markie Daoust, Maya Daoust, Gemma Sylvestre, Bridget Stovin, Taylor Terness and Emily Thompson placed fifth with 41.298.
Duets and team competitions were March 10. In 13 to 15 provincial stream, Tracy Irwin and Hannah Whitman were second with a score of 54.825. Eden Palmer and Alyssa Weiting took home third place with a 54.6.
The day finished with the solo competitions. After a 20-year hiatus, Shannon Wanner returned to compete in her first-ever Masters solo event, and had a score of 50.5.
In the 16 to 18 provincial stream, Mackenzie Dahl finished first with 56.542, followed by Chanel Theiven with a 52.587.
In the 13 to 15 provincial stream, Kelsey Potoma took home first at 55.116, followed by Brooke Krueger in second at 53.533 and Taylor Kuntz in fourth at 52.151. In the 11 and 12 provincial stream, Nyla Dyck placed second with a 49.98; closely behind was Hannah Mantei with a 49.98.
Head coach Brenda Lyons said the team enjoys attending this event, as it gives the athletes more experience.
"Travelling to Winnipeg for this meet is a highlight in our season,” said Lyons. “Our athletes are very competitive with the Manitobans so it is a confidence boost for our athletes heading into training for our provincials."
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Prior to going to Winnipeg, several members of the Mermaids traveled to Saskatoon to compete in the Sandy Roberts meet on March 2 and 3.
Most of the Mermaids recorded their highest scores of the season. In the novice category, Hannah Mantei came home with a fourth place finish in her individual figures competition, and a first place in her solo event.
In the 13 to 15 provincial stream division, all the Mermaids placed in the top 10 in individual figures, with Tracy Irwin taking fourth place and Danika Poirier finishing in a tie for fifth.
In the 13 to15 solo category, Kelsey Potoma narrowly edged out fellow Mermaid Brooke Kruger by 0.046 to take third.
Hannah Whitman and Tracy Irwin placed second in the 13 to 15 duet category.
Mackenzie Dahl placed second place in individual figures and was first in the 16 to 18 provincial stream solo division.
Up next for the Mermaids will be the Sadie Caulder Knight provincials in Saskatoon April 13 and 14. Estevan will finish off their season with their annual water show on April 28.
