The Hazen girls swim and dive team may have a new coach, but the results are much the same: Lots of swimmers and plenty of success.

The Highlanders capped off a 4-1 league, dual-meet season by beating Kennedy Catholic 371.5 to 328 for the Seamount League title Oct. 30.

“It was a big deal,” said first-year Hazen coach Ken Alfonso. “The seniors and juniors who have been around longer. They had never done it.”

Hazen carried that success into districts last weekend, where the team took second to Kennedy. Senior Lauren Kaufman continued her outstanding career by winning both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races. She swam a time of 52.71 seconds in the 100, which broke the district record she set just last year at 53.30 seconds.

“She does whatever she needs to do,” Alfonso said. “She’ll swim just fast enough to beat you and she’s really fun to watch.”

In addition to Kaufman, Kaela Nurmi, Casey Chandler and Ashley Dobson also provide veteran leadership for the team.

Alfonso said Nurmi especially helps him keep wraps on the large team.

“She’s kind of the team mom,” he said. “She’s very highly organized. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

With 58 swimmers and six divers on the team, organization and efficiency with practice time is key.

The Highlanders also have a strong batch of young swimmers ready to carry the team’s success into the next years.

Freshman Kayla DiMicco is already making some history, qualifying for state as both a swimmer and a diver.

“She’s a little dynamo and can swim anything,” Alfonso said. “It’s really convenient for me. She’s a really versatile athlete to have.”

Sophomore Amy LeBar will compete in three events at state and took down a third-place finish at districts in the 200 free.

The 3A state swim and dive meet starts Friday at 7 p.m. The finals are Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m.