GREAT BEND, Kan. — Buhler edged Hutchinson for the team championship Tuesday at the Great Bend Girls Invitational at Barton Community College’s Kirkman Center.
Buhler finished with 503 points, while Hutchinson was close behind with 488 in a tight race for first. Host Great Bend placed third with 286.
Buhler used its depth and strong relay performances to claim the title, highlighted by a victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay. The Crusaders’ team of Regan Walle, Reyne Kaufman, Avery Schrader and Hannah Swain won in 4 minutes, 30.48 seconds.
Swain also earned two individual victories for Buhler, winning the 50 freestyle in 27.50 seconds and the 100 backstroke in 1:09.99. Kaufman added a win in the 500 freestyle in 6:41.75 and placed second in the 200 freestyle in 2:29.43.
Hutchinson countered with several standout performances and multiple event wins.
AJ Gooch led the Salthawks with victories in the 200 freestyle in 2:14.68 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:18.59. Alayna Wiggins also posted a pair of wins, taking the 200 individual medley in 2:37.20 and the 100 butterfly in 1:09.75.
Hutchinson also won the 200 medley relay, as Julianna Stivers, Gooch, Wiggins and Morgan Most finished first in 2:08.89. Most added another title in the 100 freestyle in 1:04.81.
The Salthawks picked up additional points from Stivers, who was second in both the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, while Emma Buller placed third in the 500 freestyle. Hutchinson’s 400 freestyle relay team of Nora Yoder, Avery Saenger, Mariana Pinña and Buller finished third.
Buhler also gained valuable points with a second-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay and a third-place finish in the 200 medley relay, helping the Crusaders hold off Hutchinson in the final standings.
Team standings: Buhler 503, Hutchinson 488, Great Bend 286, Dodge City 251, Liberal 234, Holcomb 123.