It was a back and forth match last Thursday, but the Becker Bulldog swimming and diving team came out with an exciting victory over Chisago Lakes by a score of 94-92.

“I have been coaching here for a long time and this has to be one of the most exciting dual meets I have ever been at,” said coach Tina Tamm. “There were six lead changes throughout the night coming down to the last relay for the win.”

With the win, Becker improved to 5-3 on the season and is assured of finishing at least with a .500 record with a pair of matches remaining in the regular season.

Against the Wildcats, the Bulldogs knew from the score that the last event was going to be the determining factor in the final score.

“We knew going into that last event that Chisago Lakes could not get two place scores for us to win,” said Tamm.

“They could get first place but nothing else.”

It led to an incredibly exciting finish as the swimmers and their teammates rose to the occasion.

“The decibel levels in the pool during that last race would have led you to believe that the bleachers were full of spectators watching, but they were not,” said Tamm. “Both teams knew what had to be done and the excitement was there.”

Becker finished with a second and third place score in the 400 meter relay to secure the winning margin.

For the match, Grace Wynia had a first place finish in the 200 Individual Medley, while Delaney Varney took first in the 100 Butterfly. First place finishes were also recorded by Meghan Swanson (500 freestyle) and Lucy Pink (100 breaststroke).

The Bulldog sprinters were hitting on all cylinders at the meet, as Tia Schaap, Avary Maunu and Kadence Cox finished in places two, three, and four in the 50 free. In the 100 free, the same girls placed 2-4, but in reverse order with Cox taking second place.

Two more swimmer posted times good enough to secure a spot at the section meet, Annika Howe in the 100 backstroke and Joey Cox in the 200 Individual Medley.

The Bulldogs were scheduled to finish the regular season Thursday night against the Princeton Tigers. Look for results in next week’s Patriot.