Liberal Finishes 9th at Salina Swimming Invitational Behind Strong Relay Performances
The Lady Red swim team turned in a competitive showing Friday at the Salina Swimming Invitational, finishing 9th 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 6th-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, setting the tone early for Liberal.
Liberal continued to find success in relays, as the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Jyzelle Juarez, Lyla Anderson, Nathalie Ortega, and Alexis Ugalde placed 8th with a time of 4:59.47, adding valuable points late in the meet. 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-8 finish in the 50-yard freestyle, placing 8th 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.
Additional contributors included:
- Jordyn Myers, 13th in the 100 breaststroke (1:35.40)
- Valeria Mera, 13th in the 100 backstroke (1:39.48) and 22nd in the 100 breaststroke
- Kaydence Shumaker, 22nd in the 100 freestyle (1:21.68)
- Daniyelle Mendoza, who competed in both the 200 and 100 freestyle 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 on Tuesday, Great Bend on Thursday, and Maize on Saturday.
Event 1 – 200 Medley Relay (23 teams)
- 6th Place – 2:29.76
Nathalie Ortega, Jordyn Myers, Jyzelle Juarez, Alexis Ugalde - 12th Place – 2:52.56
Yaretxi Delacruz, Valeria Mera, Layla Piedra, Lyla Anderson - 13th (Exhibition) – 2:56.79
Marilyn Ochoa, Kaydence Shumaker, Ary Mendoza, Yarah Martinez
Event 2 – 200 Freestyle (29 swimmers)
- 21st – 3:11.24 – Daniyelle Mendoza
- 26th – 3:33.04 – Kayla Cordova
- 29th – 3:42.98 – Naomi Lizarraga
Event 3 – 200 IM (22 swimmers)
- 15th – 3:06.98 – Nathalie Ortega
Event 4 – 50 Freestyle (30 swimmers)
- 8th – 29.98 – Jyzelle Juarez
- 13th – 31.18 – Alexis Ugalde
- 21st – 38.50 – Valeria Gandara
Event 6 – 100 Butterfly (22 swimmers)
- 13th – 1:37.20 – Jyzelle Juarez
Event 7 – 100 Freestyle (31 swimmers)
- 11th – 1:13.50 – Alexis Ugalde
- 22nd – 1:21.68 – Kaydence Shumaker
- 24th – 1:25.20 – Daniyelle Mendoza
Event 9 – 200 Freestyle Relay (22 teams)
- 13th – 2:19.24
Lyla Anderson, Yarah Martinez, Layla Piedra, Kaydence Shumaker - 18th – 2:40.31
Aaliyah Cadena, Valeria Gandara, Marilyn Ochoa, Alea Diaz
Event 10 – 100 Backstroke (26 swimmers)
- 13th – 1:39.48 – Valeria Mera
- 19th – 1:44.21 – Marilyn Ochoa
Event 11 – 100 Breaststroke (29 swimmers)
- 13th – 1:35.40 – Jordyn Myers
- 17th – 1:37.19 – Nathalie Ortega
- 22nd – 1:47.23 – Valeria Mera
Event 12 – 400 Freestyle Relay (21 teams)
- 8th Place – 4:59.47
Jyzelle Juarez, Lyla Anderson, Nathalie Ortega, Alexis Ugalde - 15th Place – 5:35.82
Kaydence Shumaker, Layla Piedra, Jordyn Myers, Yarah Martinez - 17th (Exhibition) – 6:12.07
Aaliyah Cadena, Alea Diaz, Ana Chitic, Elizabeth Dominguez