The Estevan Mermaids synchronized swimming club attended the Marj Simpson Invitational meet in Winnipeg on Saturday and Sunday for the fifth year in a row.
The Mermaids dominated in a number of the figures competitions. Saturday began with the individual figure competition.
Kendra Cossette finished sixth in the 10-and-under group, with a score of 45.918.
In the 11-12 provincial stream, Nyla Dyck was second (52.918), Gemma Bittman was fourth (51.420) and Marlie Weinrauch was fifth (51.418).
In the 13-15 provincial stream, Kelsey Potoma earned first place (59.132), while teammates Brooke Kruger and Alyssa Wieting tied for third (57.886) and Tracy Irwin was fourth (57.200).
MacKenzie Dahl finished sixth in the 16-18 provincial stream with a score of 56.467.
Saturday afternoon featured a dryland drill competition, which sees athletes showcase one minute of their routine on land.
Although this was a new experience for the Mermaids, several teams were awarded for specific criteria that stood out to the judges. The 16-18 provincial team was awarded "best synchronization", the exhibition team was awarded the "judges call" distinction, and the 11-12 provincial teams earned "artistic flair" and "owning the performance."
The first day of the meet wrapped up with the team routines.
The 16-18 provincial team of Dahl, Irwin, Potoma, Wieting, Taylor Kuntz, Eden Palmer, Chanel Thievin and Hannah Whitman placed second with a score of 54.779.
The Mermaids had three teams in the 11-12 provincial category. The team of Bittman, Dyck, Kruger, Weinrauch, Caitlin Graham, Danika Poirier and Bailee Wock was second with a score of 48.415.
The team of Hannah Mantei, Courtney Reetz, Brandi Peters, Reagen Wall and Makenna Wock was third (45.859) and the team of Cossette, Markie Daoust, Maya Daoust, Gemma Sylvestre, Bridgit Stovin, Taylor Terness and Emily Thompson was fifth (41.298).
Sunday began with the duets. Irwin and Whitman took second in the 13-15 provincial stream, with a score of 54.825. Palmer and Wieting were third (54.600).
The meet finished with the solo competition.
Shannon Wanner returned to compete in her first-ever masters solo event after 20 years away from competition, earning a score of 50.500.
Dahl was first in the 16-18 provincial stream (56.542), while Thieven was second (52.587).
Potoma finished first in the 13-15 provincial stream (55.116), followed by Kruger in second (53.533) and Kuntz in fourth (52.151).
In the 11-12 provincial stream, Dyck placed second (49.98) and Mantei was third (49.98).
"Travelling to Winnipeg for this meet is a highlight in our season," said Mermaids head coach Brenda Lyons. "Our athletes are very competitive with the Manitobans so it is a confidence boost for our athletes heading into training for our provincials."
The Mermaids are currently training for the Sadie Caulder Knight provincials in Saskatoon on April 13-14. Their season will wrap up April 28 with their annual water show.
