Area Sports by Michael Dashiell

Sequim's swimmers have plenty to swim for, even if the scoreboard isn't in their favor.

The Wolves saw their 400 free relay squad earn a West Central District meet qualifying time in a lopsided 141-33 loss to Port Angeles on Oct. 8 in Sequim.

Despite finishing behind a pair of Port Angeles relay teams, Sequim's quartet of Rachel Hughes, Ellie Hubbard, Autumn Kessinger and Rachel Hardy posted a 4:52.7 finish in the event, more than seven seconds better than the district meet benchmark.

Sequim saw five swimmers post personal bests against Port Angeles, including Ellie Hubbard in the 50 free by two seconds.

"She is really improving quickly and is a natural swimmer," Sequim coach Linda Moats said. "If she had started competing when she was under 10, she would be a state participant easily by now."

Hughes (18 seconds) and Natalie McMurray (14 seconds) both dropped time off their previous bests in the 100 breaststroke.

Anna Mittmann clipped her 200 free best by eight seconds.

Hardy earned Sequim's lone win, taking first in the 50 free (27.21).

"Our swimmers are slowly improving," Moats said.

On Oct. 6, Bremerton topped Sequim 86-56. Hardy picked up wins in the 50 and 100 free events while Hughes won the 200 free.

Hubbard posted personal bests in the 100 breaststroke by 11 seconds and in the 100 free by nine seconds. Victoria Rodger improved her 100 butterfly time by five seconds.

"For such a 'young' team, I think they are swimming well for this time during the season," Moats said.

Hardy now has five individual district meet-qualifying swims while Hughes has two, to add to Sequim's 200 and 400 free relay teams.

Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.