Solid preliminary swims helped the Pacers reach the finals in all three events they qualified for … and they made the most of their time in the spotlight.

Senior Brooke Glesenkamp tied Julie Schupp (‘81) for the best state finish in the 100 freestyle in school history, closing fifth to highlight Hayes’ day at the OHSAA Swimming and Divising Championships Saturday at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.

Glesenkamp, who was seeded eighth in the 100 free after prelims, moved up to fifth thanks to a finals effort nearly half a second faster (51.47 seconds). The fifth-place finish marked the fourth time in four years Glesenkamp reached the podium (top 8) in the event.

She also finished ninth in the 50 freestyle (23.87 seconds) and helped the 200 freestyle relay finish 12th.

Lauren Ertz, Valerie Keller and Kristen Puthoff joined Glesenkamp on the relay. The 12th-place finish marked the second-best effort ever by a Pacer relay team at states and their time was .33 seconds away from a school record.

Hayes finished 18th with 33 points in the final team standings.

“To score at states is a testament to the skill and dedicated work of the athletes,” Hayes coach Bill Rietz said. “Our coaching staff is very pleased with the season-long growth in our swimmers. To conclude our season on a high note at each level of the tournament (sectional, district, state) is a solid foundation to build on.”

Hayes wasn’t the only program to end on a high note, either.

Liberty’s girls finished 11th thanks to solid showings from Rachel Peroni, Kate Saczawa, Ally Braun, Lila Leary and Morgan Menninger.

Peroni had the Patriots’ best finish, closing fourth in the 100 butterfly (55.33 seconds). She also finished 11th in the 200 IM (2:06.74) while Saczawa, just a freshman, finished sixth in the 100 backstroke (56.25 seconds).

The duo joined up with Braun and Leary on a pair of relay teams. Liberty finished ninth in the 200 freestyle relay (1:37.36) and 12th in the 400 freestyle relay (3:32.92).

Menninger, meanwhile, finished seventh in the 1-meter diving event with a score of 417.20.

Olentangy’s programs, both the boys and girls, were also well represented.

Benjamin Kuriger secured the best finish among Delaware County standouts, closing third in the 100 butterfly (49.17 seconds). He also scored eighth-place points in the 200 freestyle (1:41.60).

The Braves’ Bridget Parker, finally, finished 15th in the 200 freestyle (1:53.90) and 16th in the 500 freestyle (5:08.17).