With just four swimmers returning to swim at Saturday’s Class 6A state swimming meet, the Lawrence High girls team didn’t expect a high finish.

But after six events and a handful of solid times, the Lions cracked the top 20 for the second season in a row, finishing in a tie for 18th with 41 points.

Although the Lions were shut out of all of the championship finals, they threw their best at the competition in the consolation finals and came away with a feeling of satisfaction.

“I thought we did our best,” LHS’s Jessica Boyer said. “I was impressed by the way the girls came back and gave it all they had.”

The best the Lions could hope for in any given race on Saturday was ninth place. They came close a few times.

Sophomore Sarah Schwartz placed 10th in the 100 butterfly (59.83) and the 100 backstroke (1:00.93). In both events she missed out on ninth place (which would have been the fastest in her heat) by less than a second. In the backstroke, she was edged out at the wall by Wichita North’s Brooke Brittian, who swam a 1:00.81.

Joining Schwartz in challenging for the top spot in the consolation finals was senior Erina Houk, who finished 11th in the 500 free (5:27.88).

Junior Elle Weber and sophomore Rachel Buchner also swam in Saturday’s consolation finals, with Weber finishing 13th in the 200 individual medley (2:15.25) and Buchner taking 14th in the 100 backstroke (1:01.94).

All four joined forces to swim in the opening event of the day. Together, they finished 10th in the 200 medley relay in 1:56.22.

Although they were pleased with their perseverance at Saturday’s finals, the Lions couldn’t help but be caught up in the Firebirds’ celebration of their state title.

Free State’s state championship was particularly pleasing for LHS coach Kent McDonald, who is married to FSHS coach Annette McDonald.

“They had a goal and they went out and did it,” Kent McDonald said. “We’re all friends, both teams. We like to compete against each other and beat each other, but we’re all friends and we couldn’t be happier for them.”

As for his own team, Kent McDonald was also extremely impressed with its showing.

“In just about every event, if we didn’t have best times, we were close to it,” he said. “You can’t ask for more than that.”

While the LHS coach had a clear reason to be happy for his counterpart, LHS swimmers Boyer and Houk were thrilled to celebrate with the Firebirds after the meet, as well.

“I’m really proud of them,” Boyer said. “I know they’ve all worked so hard and I know they deserve this. Sure, you wish it was your team a little bit. But at least someone from Lawrence won it all.”