BY ADAM WIRE
For The Tribune

INDIANAPOLIS

Trinity Lutheran sophomore Rachel Sabotin did herself one better in each of her girls swimming state preliminaries events Friday than she did as a freshman.

Last year, Sabotin missed advancing to the meet’s second day by one spot in the 200-yard freestyle, and missed the championship heat by two positions in the 500 free. This year, Sabotin advanced to today’s rounds in both events, and qualified for the championship heat in one.

She claimed the sixth-fastest time overall in the 500-yard freestyle (4:58.85), which qualifies her for today’s championship round. Sabotin also advanced to today’s consolation finals in the 200-yard freestyle, claiming the day’s 13th-fastest time at 1:52.25.

Last year, Sabotin fell one spot shy of qualifying for the state meet’s second day in the 200 free, and placed 10th overall (two places away from the championship heat) in the 500 free.

“I was feeling pretty confident,” Sabotin said, referring to her 500 free race Friday. “I went out well (at the start) and kept going. It’s pretty cool to represent Trinity. Hopefully I can get as good of a placing as I can (today).”

Her coach, Jennifer Brinegar, believes Sabotin can compete with the state’s best.

“She’s great about her training; the key with her is to stay mentally focused,” Brinegar said. “We want to get her as high on that (state championship) podium as we can get.”

Today’s finals begin at 1 p.m. at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis.