The Rams score first-place points in seven of the 11 races Thursday against Barlow
The Barlow boys swim team rushed the pool for an early lead Thursday only to see Central Catholic respond to claim the 96-73 dual win and the Mount Hood Conference regular season title.
The Bruins got out to a big start when Brandon Lowder led a sweep in the 200-yard freestyle, followed by Nick Thorne with a win in the 200 medley to put Barlow ahead 25-21 on the scoreboard.
But Central bounced back with Eamon McNeil leading a 1-2 finish in the 50 free that put the Rams in front in the team tally. They wouldnt surrender that advantage, posting three more 1-2 finishes before the day was done.
The Rams scored first-place points in seven of the 11 races to finish the season with a 5-0 dual record.
Barlow finished the dual season at 3-2 good enough for second place after David Douglas (2-2-1) and Gresham (2-2-1) swam to a draw in their finale.
The Barlow girls scored first-place points in five of the last six events to take a 98-68 win over the Rams.
Look for extended meet coverage in the Tuesday, Feb. 5, print edition.
View a photo gallery from the meet at
http://daveball.exposuremanager.com/g/jan31_--_cc_v_barlow_swim