Pella High School swimmers contributed in a significant way to the Little Hawkeye Conference swimming champions from Newton Tuesday evening.

According to Head Coach Sarah Patterson, the NCMP Aquagirls were behind in the standings until right before the final event–the 400 freestyle relay, knowing they had to place 1st and 3rd in the varsity race to seal the victory. The team of Hannah Nedder, Peyton Ray, Maggie Garrett, and Maylei Ruggles took first and the team of Lauren Zaabel, Paige Benson, Brooke Linahon, and Lillie Ray placed 3rd.

Nedder is a four-time state qualifier and senior from Pella, and continues to be dominant in both the 100 fly and all of the team’s relays. Her lead-off leg in the 400 free relay of 54.8 was her best non-taper time.

Alexa Heiar not only won the 100 breaststroke, according to Patterson, but “threw down” a 25.7 lead off leg in the 200 free relay.

Ruggles, a junior from Pella, scored significant points in swimming her best time in both the 100 fly and 100 back–placing 2nd in both.

Click here for full results. Hear the Pella senior swimmers on the NCMP Aquagirls on this week’s KNIA/KRLS Radio Sports Page, airing every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m. on 92.1 KRLS.

Team scores:
1 Ncmp Aquagirls 446
2 Indianola High School 433
3 Grinnell High School 258
4 Oskaloosa Girls Swim Team 130