CAPE CENTRAL'S GIRLS SWIM TEAM HOPES TO BUILD UPON LAST YEAR'S TOP FIVE FINISH

Coming off the program's best-ever state showing, the Cape Girardeau Central High girls swimming team will once again look to make quite a splash this season.

The Lady Tigers, who placed fifth at the state meet last year, open the new campaign Tuesday at Parkway Central. The first home meet will be March 14 against Parkway North.

"We're looking forward to getting the season started," said Cape Central coach Dayna Powell. "Everybody has been working really hard and we're excited.

"We've got 43 swimmers out, which is the most we've ever had, so there is a lot of interest, which is always nice to see."

Cape Central lost two state-meet standouts to graduation in Grace Freeman and Jennifer Freeze.

"We really had a good year last season, but we lost two irreplaceable seniors," said Powell.

But the Lady Tigers return plenty of talent, including three state qualifiers from last year, led by junior Mary Beth Owen, who earned all-state honors in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

Other returning state qualifiers are senior Jean Maguire and junior diver Sara Sprigg. Maguire and Owen both swam legs on the Lady Tigers' 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams that placed in last year's state meet.

"We'll be depending on Mary Beth, Jean and Sara quite a bit," Powell said.

Powell is also be looking for good things from senior Kelly Green, who has been impressive in workouts, along with seniors Janet Smith, Jennifer Taylor and Laura Canupp.

Other juniors being counted on by Powell are diver Becky Keller, Casey Brennan and Marci Kester.

Among younger swimmers who could make an impact, Powell has been impressed by the likes of freshman Katie Maginel and sophomores Tara Herzperger, Becky Randolph and Sarah Abercrombie.

"We're looking for another good season," said Powell. "We lost two very good swimmers, but I think we're ahead of where we need to be right now. Hopefully we can meet some of the goals we set for the season, the first one being a top-10 finish at state."