The girls high school state swimming and diving finals are this week across the state of Michigan.
The Division 3 meet will be at Holland Aquatic Center, while the Division 1 meet will be at Oakland University and the Division 2 meet at Eastern Michigan University. Prelims are at noon Friday, Nov. 21 and finals at noon Saturday, Nov. 22, for Division 2 and 3. Division 1 was moved to Nov. 20-21 because of a facility issue at Oakland.
The Holland area has contending teams and individuals every year, and this season is no different.
Here is a look at this year’s title contenders:
Madison Ensing, Zeeland
The senior sprinter is the defending Division 1 state champion in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle. The Arizona commit is a versatile threat who can swim any event, but has focused on the sprints the past two years and it has paid off. She will be the favorite in both events as she aims for a double title defense. She will also be on a pair of relays that could contend as well.
Camryn Siegers, Holland Christian
The junior swimmer for the Maroons has won three state championships in her career so far. Last year, she won the Division 3 title in the 50-yard freestyle (23.19) and 100 backstroke (55.69). She will be the favorite in the backstroke once again and will look to repeat in the 50 as well. The Alabama commit has increased her speed and pace and is still just scratching the surface of her abilities with one more year of high school to go.
Natalie Lauritzen, Zeeland
The sophomore has quickly become one of the state’s elite swimmers. She went from good to great this year and it will help Zeeland fight for a team trophy (top four). Lauritzen will be seeded second in the 100 backstroke at the Division 1 finals with sights on a state championship. She will also be in the mix in the 200 freestyle and on two Zeeland relays that will have a shot to contend.
Alyssa Volkers, Hamilton
The Hamilton junior has become one of the top distance swimmers in the state. She will be in the mix in both the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle at the Division 3 meet, looking to make her mark again at the state level.
Josi Popma, Hamilton
One of the top divers in the area, Popma won the OK Lakeshore conference title and as a returning all-state performer, will look to be in contention for a title with her improved 11-dive list.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Five athletes could claim swimming, diving state championships this week from Holland area
Reporting by Dan D’Addona, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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