The Dawson County swim team traveled to Adairsville on Dec. 13 to compete in a head-to-head event against the Wildcats of Woodland High School out of Cartersville.

After putting together one of their finest performances so far, the Tigers emerged from the event with their first win of the 2018 swim season.

“We have improved so much in the last two months,” said Head Coach Linda Sperin. “Many swimmers are dropping times each meet, and it’s wonderful to see them accomplish a swim that they didn’t think they could.”

With only seven members returning from last year, it has taken the team half of their 10-meet season to come together as a unit and capitalize on their individual strengths.

“We have 20 swimmers and seven were on last year’s team,” Sperin said. “Three have experience coming into the season and 10 had never been on a swim team and didn’t know what to expect. Many of my swimmers participate in other sports and they are now gaining the confidence in their swimming ability.”

The team followed up their victory in Adairsville with the Holiday Invitational that took place at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center on Dec .14 and featured four teams from across north Georgia, in addition to the Tigers.

Matthew Wood led the team with wins in both the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke, as the Tigers posted points in 16 of the 22 events.

“Devin Eichler had a strong showing in the 500-yard freestyle and he is cutting time off each race,” Sperin said. “Ayla Miller and Lindsey LeBaron are doing well in the 50 and 100 free style events. Isabelle Kinsey is doing well in the 100 back-stroke.”