By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Sports Writer

Edging out the Troy Colts, 97-89, on Oct. 10, the Oxford girls’ swim and dive program moved to 7-1 for the season and 5-0 in OAA play.

Getting all they could handle from the Colts, head coach Jackie Rank pointed out how it took a team effort for the Wildcats to secure the victory in this one.

“If I had to pinpoint one area that set us apart, it would be our B 200-meter and 400-meter relay teams,” Rank said.

“Those girls were able to sneak into the top-three giving us four more points, which means four less for Troy. Right there is the difference in our victory.”

Led by the typical cast of impressive performers, juniors Grace Charnstrom and Jenna Fistler, sophomore Cali Schnur and senior Ashlee Weltyk guided Oxford to first-place finishes in seven of the 12 events.

The lone undefeated team in the OAA White, the Wildcats have a one-game lead over Lake Orion in the standings.

Their final home meet of the season, the girls host the Berkley Bears on Thursday, Oct. 17. Beginning at 6 p.m., the team will also be hosting their “Toy Drive for Foster Children” vs. Berkley.

Inspired by Wildcats senior Mackenzie Finley, who is adopted, fans are encouraged to either bring a new toy for a young child or a five dollar ($5) donation for Oakland Family Services to benefit adoption efforts in Oakland County.