SWIMMING: Kentlake’s Bailey sets the pace

Kentlake High sophomore Chelsea Bailey powered to victory in the 200-yard freestyle and also was second in the 500 free, both in state-qualifying time, in the South Puget Sound League 4A girls swimming championships last Saturday.

Bailey posted a 1:59.55 in the 200, and a 5:19.37 in the 500, both of which beat the state-qualifying standard in the competition at the Curtis High pool in University Place.

Bailey and Kaela Pettit of Rogers traded the leading roles in the two races. Bailey beat out Pettit in the 200 free (Pettit posted a 2:00.42), then Pettit pulled away with a winning time of 5:15.93 in the 500.

Kari Keller took second place in the 100-yard breaststroke, and teammate Jacqueline Do was third in 500, helping Kentridge take second place in the team standings. The Chargers finished with 155 points. Beamer won the meet easily, scoring 221.

Kentwood, which got a third-place finish from Elizabeth Molloy in the 100 back, took sixth place with 111 points.

Rachel Reese of Tahoma placed third in the 200 individual medley in 2:19.00.

The 4A West Central District meet is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Rogers. Kentlake’s Bailey is the defending district champion in the 100 back, which she followed up with a second-place finish at state.

After district, competitors then will have a two-week break until state, set for Nov. 14-15 at the King County Aquatic Center.