The Bainbridge Spartans girls swim team is looking to repeat as state champions after winning districts by 218 points and qualifying 12 swimmers for state.

BHS dominated at state last year with 14 swimmers scoring 379 points.

The Spartans are sending two to three girls in each event.

“Any team can win at this point,” coach Kristine Cox said. “We are going in with a strong team at this point and the girls have been training really hard. There are some other really strong teams out there, and the competition will be really good.”

Spartan captain Emma Solseng said they have a great shot at another title. “We are really motivated and dedicated this year,” Solseng said. “We pick each other up when someone is having a tough day. Our team culture will allow us to repeat as state champs.”

Although some of their top swimmers from last year graduated or moved, the new swimmers have shown Bainbridge’s depth. “It’s really fun to have the depth and cheer for somebody in each event,” Solseng said. “Everyone has their own specialty where we can rely on them.”

Solseng added the team’s bond is stronger this year because, “Last year, we had a lot more people on the team. A lot of us like having less because we can be closer and bond from lanes one through six.”

Besides building chemistry, the Spartan swimmers have prepared for this meet the entire year. “A lot of them swim year-round and play water polo too,” Cox said. “There are a lot of outstanding athletes on this team. When we started in August, we hit the ground running.”

They practice two hours a day, five days a week. In addition, they practice twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cox is also training the Spartan squad to swim at night since their state session is at night. Instead of practicing after school, the Spartans have been practicing from 7:30-9 p.m.

Even though it will be a long night at the King County Aquatic Center, the Spartans are eager to compete in front of a large crowd. “The energy is amazing,” Cox said. “It’s like no other meet you go to as a swimmer. The stands are full, and it’s a fantastic weekend.”

Solseng added: “The energy and crowd are always amazing. Bainbridge always has the biggest and best cheer squad. It’s great to see family, friends and teammates support us.”