photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State freshman Helena Mattes rips through the water during the 200-yard medley relay during the Free State quad on Wednesday at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.

Repeating as state champions was always going to be a tall order for Free State’s girls’ swim and dive team — but in the middle of the season, the Firebirds are making the case that they can be contenders again.

On Wednesday, FSHS finished first at its home meet, racking up 145 more points than runner-up Shawnee-Mill Valley and beating all of the other schools — Mill Valley, Shawnee Mission South, Lawrence High and Bishop Miege — in the 200-yard medley (1:55.21) and 400-yard freestyle (3:55.63) relays.

The big midseason performance is merely one more step toward another trip to state, junior Jocelyn Wilson said. In addition to her relay contributions, Wilson placed first individually in the 100-yard butterfly (1:03.44).

“I think it’s definitely crossed our minds, but we’re just trying to make this season different and focus on what we have this year and not focus on the past,” Wilson said.

However, LHS upended the Firebirds’ home meet out of the gate with a first-place performance by senior Emily Brandt in the 1-meter dive (231.50).

Three more Lions — seniors Haley Belanger (3rd, 201.15) and Meara Kingery (4th, 193.30) – also placed in the top five over FSHS in the opening event of the day. As a team, LHS finished the meet fourth overall with 212 total points.

Soon after, the Firebirds found their groove.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Emily Brandt turns back toward the starting board during the 200-yard medley relay during the Free State quad on Wednesday at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.

Returning senior Liza Engelbrecht, who pushed FSHS toward wins in the 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relays in addition to her first-place individual finish in the 100-yard freestyle, said last year’s success story partly contributes to her team’s composure.

“Last season really taught me that swimming is a team sport,” Engelbrecht said. “Coming from years and years of competitive club swimming, it was all about me, me, me, but I think last season really taught me that it really is a team and everyone contributes.”

The Firebirds fell short of the gold in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:53.26) placing second behind Mill Valley and mere milliseconds ahead of Bishop Miege. Junior Gayla Gao put FSHS back on the winner’s block with a first-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke (1:03.79).

Senior Molly Nuckolls, who won individual gold medals in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyles in addition to her relay performances, said all three relay teams know they still have gas in the tank as their schedule narrows.

“I don’t think the standards have changed,” Nuckolls said. “We’re always showing up on times, we’re always completing the sets within the times that we’re given and we’re always trying our best every day no matter what it is.”

Nuckolls and her fellow seniors are paving the way for newcomers, too. Helena Mattes, the younger sister of Ari Mattes from FSHS’ boys swim team, said she hasn’t had many nerves so far in her freshman year.

On top of her two relays, Mattes individually won the 200-yard medley and outlasted LHS sophomore Carlee Larson (1:23.26) for first place in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.15)

“There’s less pressure to do good at every meet because we have meets so frequently that every meet is preparing us for the state,” Mattes said.

The Firebirds travel to the Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center for a triangular with Olathe East and Shawnee Mission South next Tuesday. The meet is set for 3:30 p.m.

LHS hosts its home meet with Leavenworth, Topeka West and Washburn Rural next Tuesday. The meet is set for 3:30 p.m.