Swimming: Pioneer boys, Warrior girls lead way in R-II

FORK UNION — The Millbrook boys took eighth and the Sherando girls took ninth to lead the way among local teams at the Region II Swim and Dive Championship Saturday at Fork Union Military Academy.

Western Albemarle won the boys’ meet with 87 points, 16 more than second-place Potomac Falls (71). Millbrook was eighth with 27 points, Handley was ninth (26), James Wood tied for 11th (13) and Sherando tied for 19th (3).

Western Albemarle also won the girls’ meet, scoring 144 points to second-place Dominion’s 66. Sherando was ninth with 17 points, Handley tied for 13th (10), Millbrook was 16th (8) and James Wood did not score.

Those who finished in the top six in individual events and top three in relay events — as well as those who achieved state times — qualified for Friday’s and Saturday’s Group AA/A state meet at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center. Those who had state-qualifying performances Saturday were:

Millbrook: Boys — Mark Graham (second in the 50-meter freestyle in 25.55 seconds), Alex Morrow (second in the 400 free, 4:29.36), Hunter Doherty (sixth in the 200 free, 2:11.76) and the 200 free relay (Chris Patton, Chris Wiens, Doherty, Graham — sixth, 1:46.08). Girls — Katie Kozlowski (third in the 100 breaststroke, 1:18.29).

Sherando: Girls — Kelsey Dingman (second in the 50 free, 28.40; fifth in the 100 free, 1:02.52) and the 200 free relay (Laura Ferguson, Brenna Sharp, Christina Lee, Dingman — seventh, 1:59.30).

Handley: Boys — Taylor Watts (fourth in the 100 free, 56.73), Carter Watts (sixth in the 100 backstroke, 1:05.28) and the 200 free relay (William Yuan, Alex Johnson, Carter Watts, Taylor Watts — second, 1:45.07); Girls — Liz Grove (fourth in the 200 individual medley, 2:31.93; fourth in the 100 backstroke, 1:10.12).

James Wood: Boys — Conor Babington (fifth in the 200 free, 2:09.17; fifth in the 100 butterfly, 1:03.10) and Brian Baker (sixth in the 200 IM, 2:22.97).