How Region 6 is shaping up

GIRLS

1. EAST: The Leopards easily won the Region 6 title last year and should do the same thing again. They'll also be a huge factor at the statewide level. Two-time defending 4A girls Swimmer of the Year Sara Jayne Christiansen (200-yard IM and 100 back) headlines the squad. She has committed to BYU and is the top swimmer in all of 4A. Shelby Bull (freestyle) is also an excellent swimmer. She won the 100 free and 200 free last year. East has several other swimmers to watch, including freshman Winifred Lau. 2006 STATE MEET: Second place.

2. MURRAY: Last year was a rebuilding season for the Spartans, and, to a certain extent, the girls squad is still rebuilding. They finished second to East at last year's Region 6 meet. Whether they can hold onto second place this season remains questionable. Juniors Natalie Robinson and Mindy Simmons should earn lots of points for Murray. Look out for freshman Chante Lundskog. 2006 STATE MEET: Seventh place.

3. COTTONWOOD: The Colts are definitely gunning for Murray's second-place spot. And it appears they have the talent to outdistance them. Adrianna Pachelli (distance), Claire Hacking, Jill Dahle and Jaine Dahl should be outstanding in relays and each of them should also do well individually. Pachelli has said that she's "excited to beat Murray." 2006 STATE MEET: Eighth place.

4. OLYMPUS: Coach Brad Goffe thinks his squad can take a big step forward this season. He has a number of quality swimmers on the girls side. Among them, the Titans have Anne Freschitta (sprint events), Emily Chamberlain, Kim Shelby, Sheridan Shultz (100 fly), Nikki Snyder, Abby Soderberg, Tommie Young and Melissa Dean. A top-three finish in Region 6 isn't out of the question. 2006 STATE MEET: 10th place.

5. CYPRUS: Senior Aubrey Christensen headlines this squad. She finished fourth in the 100 breast and fifth in the 200 IM at state last year. She's planning to swim those events again. Stephanie Chambers and Titaina Cheung should also get lots of points. Much will be expected from sophomore Lisa Pereira, who medalled in the 50 free and 100 breast last year. The Pirates have a really good incoming freshmen class. 2006 STATE MEET: Fifth place.