On Wednesday, October 13, the South women’s swim team had what could be called a successful defeat. Although they lost to city rival Southwest by ten points, it was by a much smaller margin then the first meet.

In their first meet against Southwest, South lost by thirty points. Also, many South students improved their personal records the second time around. “It was very successful,” said sophomore Ellen Gorsky.

In terms of statistics, the last two years for the swim team have been rather disappointing. After 23 years of holding the city title, South lost for the first time during the 2008-09 season and has yet to win the city title back. That year, many good senior swimmers graduated.

But for the girls, points aren’t what’s most important. “[We’re] all really close,” said sophomore Eva Peterson, “We spend so much time together.” For Peterson and junior swimming companion Genevive Paule, the defeat at Southwest was disappointing. “It was sad because we tried so hard and came so close,” commented Paule.

There is good and bad to everything and senior captain Julia Hauser has not failed to see the good that has come with the last two years. “It’s less cliquey,” said Hauser, when asked about how the team has changed. “Everyone supports each other,” she added. Also, many upcoming swimmers look promising. Said coach Neil Anderson, “We will become much stronger in the next couple of years.”

One highlight of the swim season is the trip to Austin, MN, for an overnight stay and swim meet. It is one of the many bonding opportunities for the team. “[I love] doing the fun things outside of practice,” said Gorsky.

As the regular season comes to an end, hopes remain high for post-season swimming.