From left to right, Allison Hanson, Sarah Merodio, Lauren Rudnick, Matteo Merodio, Charlie Adams and Nicole Hanson. Photo by Sue Adams.

PETALUMA – Gusty winds may have ruffled a few feathers last weekend at the Westside Aquaduck swim meet in Petaluma, but Lake County Channel Cats stayed smooth and speedy in the water.

Coached by Agustin Merodio, a core team of six Channel Cats raced the clock alongside more than 300 swimmers representing 18 North Bay Area swim clubs in this rewarding long-course competition.

Allison Hanson, 13, took the lead to win first place in 50M freestyle, 200M backstroke, and 200M butterfly. She earned second place wins in the 100M freestyle, 100M butterfly and a pair of third place ribbons for her efforts in the 100M backstroke and 200M freestyle.

Despite aging up to faster time standards, Hanson wasted no time in achieving her first A-time medal for 50M freestyle in the girls 13-14 year old division.

Nikki Hanson, 9, also faced the added challenge of aging up a division, yet swam a neat 50M course of butterfly placing as high as ninth.

Sarah Merodio, 12, picked up her fourth A-time medal in the 100M freestyle. In addition, she earned a rainbow of ribbons representing second place wins in 50M butterfly, 200M breaststroke, 100M freestyle, as well as third- and fifth-place wins for 50M backstroke and the 200 IM.

Lauren Rudnick, 9, kept the competitive spirit and a smile on her face, tackling eight events and taking home five third place wins in the 100M freestyle, 200M freestyle, 50M backstroke, 50M breaststroke, 100M backstroke and the 200M IM.

Matteo Merodio 15, improved upon A-times in the 50M and 100M freestyle, just narrowly missing Junior Olympic designation by the slimmest of .06 seconds in a fast and furious 50M dash to the finish.

Charlie Adams, 8, was awarded a distinctive A-time medal for his quick pace in the 50M backstroke event. He took home four first place ribbons for 50M freestyle, 100M freestyle, 50M backstroke and 50M breaststroke in the boys 8 and under division. He placed third and sixth, respectively, among boys 10 and under for 100M backstroke and 100M breaststroke.

The Channel Cats would also like to welcome everyone to their new Web site at www.lakecountychannelcats.com .

The Lake County Channel Cats swim four evenings a week at the Westshore Pool in Lakeport. For more information regarding the Channel Cats team, swim lessons, or events, contact Jennifer Hanson at 707-263-3131.