Loudoun County High School’s swim team notched a Dulles District win over Woodgrove Jan. 13 at Ida Lee in Leesburg.

With a combined final score of 325-241, both the Raider boys and girls teams secured wins against the Wolverines. Loudoun County’s boys improved to 5-1 with a 157-124 win, and the Raider girls moved to 4-2 this season with a 168-117 victory. 

“The kids always laugh when every year I say, ‘we look like one of the top three teams in the district.’ This year, I think they believe me,” Loudoun County coach Nick Grzeda said.

The Raider boys kicked off the evening, securing a win in the 200-yard medley relay. In the next race, the Raider girls not only took first place in their relay, but second as well. Loudoun County held onto the lead the remainder of the meet. 

Loudoun County’s girls squad was led by strong performances by Sophie Newton and Adrienne Rivera. Rivera dominated in her two first-place finishes, beating the next closest swimmer by 10 seconds with a 2:11.15 finish in 200 freestyle. In the 100 butterfly, Rivera posted a 1:05.40 finish, topping her closest competitor by 12 seconds. 

In the 200 medley, Newton beat her closest opponent by 19 seconds, while also earning a state-qualifying time.

On the boys side, Jake Koenig competed well for the Raiders, not only winning two individuals races, but contributing to two winning relay teams. Senior Courtner Clark also placed first in two individual events, earning a state-cut for the 500 freestyle. Additionally, he contributed to County’s two winning relay teams.

“I really want to get the guys’ relays to state,” Koenig said. “I hope to motivate the team to earn some points.”

In addition to a dominant district performance, five Loudoun County swimmers secured state-qualifying times, including sophomore Sarah Sheridan.

“We’ve been working on getting her state-cut for two years,” Grzeda said. “This is a great victory for her.”

Woodgrove placed first in nine of the 22 events contested, propelled by largely by underclassmen. Freshmen Ethan Bloomfield, Kristen Garner and Nico Song all posted first-place finishes for the Wolverines, in addition to sophomore Adam Hoff and junior Christian Banister.

Both the Wolverines and the Raiders conclude the regular season this week. Loudoun County will face Leesburg rival Tuscarora Jan. 21, while Woodgrove swim against Heritage Jan. 20. The Dulles District meet is Jan. 27.

-Click here for full meet results.

-All photos by Beverly Denny

Loudoun County swimmer Adrienne Rivera