FEDERAL WAY, Washington March 6. THE USA Swimming Sectional hosted in Federal Way, Wash., opened with long distance action last night.
Hometown favorite Andie Taylor, 16, of the King Aquatic Club picked up a three-second triumph over Ashley Evans, 16, of Brophy East, 8:40.26 to 8:43.28, in the women's 800 freestyle, while Amber McDermott, 14, of Salmon Bay finished third in 8:54.59.
An Arizona-based battle took place in Washington in the men's 800 freestyle as Tyler Pennington, 17, of Scottsdale Aquatics upended Alex Lendrum, 16, of Brophy East, 8:28.50 to 8:28.92 in the race. Pennington tracked Lendrum down in the final 200 meters after trailing 6:22.43 to 6:23.35 at the 600. Andrew Chevalier, 15, of North Jeffco took third in 8:31.83.
In relay action, the King Aquatic team of Megan Jendrick, Heather Brand, Leona Jennings and Svet Karpeeva won the women's 200 free in 1:45.12, while the Tualatin Hills foursome of Morgon Henderson-Kunz, Steven Ung, Jonathan Rooker and Carlos Nunez claimed the men's 200 free relay in 1:35.26.