Special to the Leader & Times

The Lady Redskin swim team turned in a competitive showing Friday at the Salina Swimming Invitational, finishing ninth overall out of 12 teams with 105 team points in a deep and talented field.

The Lady Red were powered by strong relay performances throughout the meet, highlighted by a sixth-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Nathalie Ortega, Jordyn Myers, Jyzelle Juarez, and Alexis Ugalde posted a time of 2:29.76.

Liberal continued to find success in relays when the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Jyzelle Juarez, Lyla Anderson, Nathalie Ortega, and Alexis Ugalde placed eighth with a time of 4:59.47.

Another relay squad of Kaydence Shumaker, Layla Piedra, Jordyn Myers, and Yarah Martinez finished 15th (5:35.82).

Individually, Jyzelle Juarez led the way with a top-eight finish in the 50-yard freestyle, placing eighth in 29.98. She also contributed a 13th-place finish in the 100 butterfly (1:37.20) and was a key member of multiple scoring relays.

Alexis Ugalde added a strong individual performance in the 100 freestyle, finishing 11th in 1:13.50, while also swimming on two of Liberal’s top relay teams. Nathalie Ortega placed 15th in the 200 individual medley (3:06.98) and 17th in the 100 breaststroke (1:37.19), continuing her consistent presence across multiple events.

The meet also provided valuable experience for Liberal’s developing swimmers, with multiple athletes competing across individual and relay events against strong competition from across the region.

With a balanced mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Liberal showed growth and depth, particularly in relay events, as the season continues.

Liberal will look to build on Friday’s performance as they prepare for a gauntlet of meets with a trip to Hays Tuesday, Great Bend Thursday, and Maize Saturday.