TOPEKA ? Move over, boys. You’ve got company.

After roaring to a fantastic start at Friday’s first day of the 2009 Class 6A state swimming meet, the Free State High girls left Topeka’s Capitol Federal Natatorium with the 2009 state championship.

The title was the third athletic team title in school history, the first won by a girls team. Boys swimming (2004) and baseball (2006) have the other two.

The Firebirds, led by all-state swimmers Molly Albrecht, Morgan Flannigan, Chloe Portela, Reilly Moore and Heather Clark, finished with 281 points and held off Olathe Northwest, which finished second with 242.

The title was the Firebirds’ to lose from the minute the meet kicked off on Saturday, and they did nothing but impress the rest of the way.

Free State opened the meet by breaking its own state record in the 200 medley relay and closed the meet by doing the same, this time breaking its own state record in the 400 freestyle relay. Scattered in between were enough first, second, third and fourth place finishes to secure the team title.

“The girls did everything they needed to do to win,” FSHS coach Annette McDonald said. “I’m incredibly proud of them, they’re so deserving of this.”

After the hugs were exchanged the trophies handed out, the Firebirds included McDonald in a wild celebration, typical of swim teams who win championships. Hand-in-hand, on the count of three, the Firebirds — and their coach — jumped into the pool, creating one giant, celebratory splash. Moments later, McDonald flashed some skills of her own by swimming a half lap to celebrate the title.

“I know it’s cliche,” FSHS sophomore Reilly Moore said. “But this is surreal. This is what we’ve wanted and worked for all season. I can’t explain how awesome it feels to win it.”

For more on the Firebirds’ title, check back with LJWorld.com later today and pick up a copy of Sunday’s Journal-World.