Sports: Seaholm girls finishes as state runner-up

Hassett, Maples shine at swim & dive state championships

The Seaholm girls swim and dive team exhibited unwavering determination to end on a high note. Over the weekend at the Holland Aquatic Center, the eighth-seeded Maples scored 198 points to achieve the impressive feat of finishing as state runners-up at the MHSAA Division 2 Swim & Dive Championships.

The Maples surpassed expectations by earning 89 points above their projected seed. This remarkable accomplishment marks the highest point differential that coach Karl Hodgson has witnessed in his extensive 30-plus years of coaching. Seaholm had meticulously prepared for this moment, exhibiting exceptional performance in its dual meets throughout the season and emerging victorious at the OAA Red Division League meet earlier this month.

Senior Kelley Hassett established a new state record in the 500 freestyle event, clocking in at 4:53.87. In addition, Hassett joined her teammates Avery Anderson, Skyler Jansen and Abby Stanley to set a new school record in the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:28.79.

Hassett's remarkable performance earned her the prestigious title of "Swimmer of the Meet," further solidifying her talent and dedication. An Oakland University signee, she was also on the third-place 200 freestyle relay squad.

"It was a true team effort and I couldn't be more proud of how the girls came together to achieve this incredible win," Hodgson said.  

The Maples scored in the top 16 in the following events:

• 200 Medley Relay: Anderson, Valentina Cavaliere, Lindsay Louwers, Ella Gifford (14th)
• 200 Free: Hassett (2nd), Jansen (4th), Stanley (6th)
• 200 IM: Louwers (16th)
• 100 Free: Anderson (7th), Stanley (10th)
• 500 Free: Hassett (1st), Jansen (4th), Samantha Memmer (15th)
• 200 Free Relay: Stanley, Jansen, Hassett, Louwers (3rd)
• 100 Back: Anderson (5th)
• 100 Breast: Louwers (13th)
• 400 Free Relay: Anderson, Jansen, Stanley, Hassett (1st)