Another year, another state swimming title for Mater Lakes.
The school’s girls team won the FHSAA Class 2A state championship in early November, after finishing second in last year’s state meet.
Mater Lakes’ boys won the state title in 2024 and finished third at states this season.
The girls team finished with 240.5 points, easily topping runner-up Academy of the Holy Names’ total of 180.
Sophomore Jia Amores was part of three state championships, winning the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke as an individual plus teaming with Jenesys Amores, Melissa Ramos and Camila Sepulveda to win the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Melissa Ramos, Anais Gedeon, Jenesys Amores and Zoe Barreto won the 200-yard freestyle relay state title as well for the Mater Lakes girls.
The Mater Lakes’ foursome of Nicolai Ross, Robinson Naranjo, Jorvir Tigrero and Surfiel Santiago won a state title in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
“It has truly been another great year for the Bear swimming family,” coach Sarah Smith said. “It is great to see the hard work and dedication that each swimmer and their families put into the sport pay off.”
Mater Lakes was the only Class 2A school to finish in the top five in both the boys and girls overall standings. The meet was held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training complex in Ocala.
Shown in top row, from left: Zoe Barreto; Victoria Sepulveda; Jenesys Amores and Jia Amores.
Bottom row: Melissa Ramos; coaches Helen Fors and Sarah Smith; Camila Sepulveda; Anais Gedeon and Didia Miccoli