Mitchell Case is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Barry Goldwater for AZPreps365.com

Even though Barry Goldwater was shorthanded, missing its top and only men’s swimmer, the Bulldogs competed well Thursday.

Barry Goldwater finished third behind Trivium Prep and Deer Valley but that wasn’t reflective of how Barry Goldwater competed, especially Mar Segarra Guillen.

Segarra Guillen, a foreign exchange student from Spain, took home two first-place finishes to go along with strong performances in the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay.

Segarra Guillen secured the first-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley with an impressive time of 2:30.03. She also posted a 1:07.5 in the 100-yard backstroke, securing the victory and the six points that come with the first-place finish.

“We focus on improving time more than what place, but she is a really good swimmer," coach John Bundy said. "We know she’s gonna do well, it’s just how well is she going to do that day.”

Segarra Guillen’s performance was backed by solid performances from junior captain Haylee Rollins in the 50 free and a solid team effort in the 200-yard free relay, which Segarra Guillen anchored.

Even with the team shorthanded, Segarra Guillen still had a good mindset.

"I just think about getting my best time, not really anything else,” Segarra Guillen said, adding that that's even more true while she is anchoring a relay.

Deer Valley and Barry Goldwater, who are rivals, spent the week practicing together.

“Practicing with Deer Valley, this is a different meet for us because they get to compete against people that they practice with,” Bundy said.

Bundy said the 200-yard freestyle relay was one of the best races for his team.

“They all just really supported each other and really pushed each other and so it’s good to see that, seeing their times improve from last year,” Bundy said

Barry Goldwater's performance and improvement against Deer Valley and Trivium Prep are more impressive considering it has had to practice at 5:30 a.m. most of this season.

“Personally, I think, yeah, it is exhausting,'' Rollins said. "I think the schedule is easier because it gives us more time to maintain our school life."

Rollins said despite the losses of six key swimmers from last season the team still is determined to have fun.

“It sucks losing people that we really cared about, but I don’t think it matters in the long run if we are enjoying it,” Rollins said.