Although Freedom High School's girls 200 medley relay team placed tenth at the PIAA State Swimming and Diving Championships last weekend at Bucknell University, finishing ahead of Easton made the Patriots' placement not so bad after all.

"We swam better at night. Right next to us was our competition, so it pushed us," said Patriot senior, Kelly Kopko.

Carly DelFranco, Kopko, Helen Hsu, and Shannon Howell finished the relay with a time of 1:47.83.

"Carly started and she was right with everyone, and a little in front of Easton," Kopko said. "I kept up and then fell a little behind. Helen caught up and went ahead of Easton. Shannon went all out and a full body length ahead of her. It was really exciting [to beat Easton at states]."

Freedom coach Jon Larson had advised the Patriots to beware of the false start, to watch their turns, and to have fun.

Kopko said, "I've been with those girls since first grade. It was nice to have them all on the relay team. It was really special. We tried our best, and we swam really good times."

Also at the state meet, Hsu competed in the 100 backstroke, placing fifth with a time of 56.36, and in the 200 IM, placing eighth with a time of 2:07.87.

DelFranco also swam the 100 back and placed twelfth in 57.63.