The Estevan Mermaids Synchronized Swimming Club sent a record-high number of swimmers to the Sadie Calder Knight Provincials in Saskatoon on the weekend, and it showed in their finishes.
The event included a recreational category for the first time, meaning the 25 swimmers registered in the Mermaids' recreational program were able to attend along with their 13 competitive athletes.
It was the first meet ever for 14 club members.
"The majority of our athletes were able to make the trip, so there was great representation from our city," said Mermaids head coach Brenda Lyons. "It's fun to watch the athletes jump into a deep tank pool for the very first time."
On the competitive side of the event, novice swimmer Tracy Irwin saw banner results in her first meet with first-place finishes in both figures and solo.
Eden Palmer and Alyssa Wieting earned second in the duet age 13-15 category, while teammates Shelby Tytlandsvik and Taylor Kuntz placed fourth.
The Mermaids also secured a bronze in the team event.
Mackenzie Dahl earned seventh spot in the age 13-15 individual figure category with teammate Tess Rensby taking 10th.
"When we set out our club goals for this season, one of them was to have our athletes prepared to perform at their personal best at this meet, which I think they did. We are proud of all of our athletes who attended this event," said Mermaids president Craig Palmer.
The club also took home several ribbons on the competitive side as one of only two teams taking part.
Whitney Holt (eight-and-under), Jenna Blanchette (10-and-under), Brooke Kruger (12-and-under) and Rachel Gall (age 13-15) all earned first-place ribbons in their respective individual categories.
Kruger also took top spot in 12-and-under solo.
Lyons said the Mermaids see the recreational division as key because it "helps bridge the way for athletes who will become part of the competitive team, or is an avenue for those athletes who just want to participate in synchro for fun and physical activity."
The Mermaids will hold their year-end water show on May 1 at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature special performances by the Estevan Mini-Mermaids.
Cake and refreshments will follow, and the public is invited to swim with the Mermaids after the performance until 9 p.m.
