GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks swim team celebrated Senior Night this season, pausing to honor three seniors – Kelly Faul, Haley Smith, and Ariana Carpio – for their years of dedication and commitment to the program.

Faul has been one of the most versatile swimmers on the roster, competing across a wide range of events throughout her career. Her best times include the 50 free (35.81), 100 free (1:25.80), 100 back (1:37.28), 100 fly (1:28.43), 100 breast (1:59.33), 200 free (3:00.14), 200 IM (3:20.99) and 500 free (7:49.68). Her willingness to step in wherever needed has been a valuable asset to the Hawks all season long.

Smith has been a steady contributor in the distance events, posting best times in the 50 free (30.77), 200 free (2:36.62) and 500 free (7:10.91). Her presence in the longer events has given the Hawks reliable depth, and her best times reflect the hard work she has put in throughout her career.

Carpio has also competed across multiple events this season, logging best times in the 50 free (44.39), 100 free (1:38.59), 100 back (2:31.42), 200 free (3:37.18) and 500 free (10:27.46). Carpio’s willingness to take on challenging events and compete with heart has exemplified the spirit of this program.

The Hawks carry a roster of 16 swimmers – three boys and 13 girls – and the depth of talent across both groups has made for an impressive season of individual performances.

Boys: Bussman Leads the Way

With just three swimmers on the boys’ side, every point and every swim matters, and Mason Bussman has delivered in a big way. Bussman owns the team’s top times in six events, including the 50 free (22.90), 100 free (48.85), 100 back (55.76), 100 fly (57.42), 200 free (1:52.59) and 200 IM (2:07.75). His times are among the most competitive in the area and he has been the anchor of the boys’ program all season.

Sophomore Matthew Hernandez Lara has also contributed steadily, posting best times in the 50 free (32.04), 100 free (1:19.59), 100 back (2:08.99) and 200 free (3:07.85), and leading the team in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 2:00.06. For a small boys’ roster, both swimmers have shown up and competed hard every meet.

On the girls side, the Hawks boast a talented and deep roster with standout performances from top to bottom.

Arianna Kotko has been the team’s top individual performer, holding the best times in the 50 free (28.38), 100 free (1:01.93), 100 back (1:13.94), 200 free (2:24.62) and 200 IM (2:47.65). Kotko’s speed and versatility have made her one of the most complete swimmers on the roster.

Right alongside her is Ainsley Robbins, who leads the team in the 100 fly (1:14.81), 100 breast (1:25.30), 200 IM (2:42.20) and 500 free (6:41.18). Robbins has been a force in the distance and individual medley events all season, and her performances have been among the most consistent on the team.

The Hawks’ depth doesn’t stop there. Nathalie Ochoa, Haley Andrews, Isabella Westlynn and Madilyn Brixey have all posted strong best times across multiple events and contributed to a relay corps that has performed well throughout the season. The Hawks’ best relay times – 2:14.70 in the 200 free relay, 2:16.21 in the 200 medley relay, and 4:33.42 in the 400 free relay – reflect a team that works well together in the water.

Sydney Church, Emma McKimmy and Analijah Ware round out the girls roster, each contributing best times and points throughout the season.

Senior Night served as a fitting tribute to three swimmers who have given their best for the Hawks year after year. As the season winds toward league championships, Liberty Ranch will look to carry the energy of Senior Night into the postseason and finish strong.