FISHERS — The Pendleton Heights girls swimming and diving team knew it was in the toughest sectional in the state but nonetheless went in with motivation and confidence.

The Arabians placed fourth behind Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern and Yorktown Feb. 2 at Fishers High School, finishing just nine points behind Yorktown.

“They worked really hard this season and did well,” coach Mindy Hertzler said.

The Arabians placed swimmers in every event’s final heat and consolation heat.

Also, the 200-yard medley relay team of Lily Brooks, Kaitlyn Wheetley, Emma Robison and Karley Riffey broke a long-standing school record with a time of 1:50.92. They placed fourth in the final.

State competition allows an at-large 12 slots, and the team missed by two positions.

“They gave it everything they had, and I don’t think they could have swam any faster,” Hertzler said. “Next year, we should have a really good chance.”

In the 400 freestyle relay, the team of Riffey, Grace McKinney, Maggie Miller and Robison placed third.

Wheetley, Jaima Link, McKinney and Miller were fifth in the 200 freestyle.

Riffey went on to place fifth in the 50 freestyle, while Maddie Oliver was 13th and Emma Weflen was 14th.

In the 200 freestyle, McKinney was seventh, Miller eighth and Claire Whittkamper 12th.

Robison was 8th in the 200 individual medley, while teammate Link was 10th and Wheetley was 12th.

Maddie Cougill and Karrah Schroder were 10th in the 1-meter diving.

In the 100 butterfly Robison was eighth, Link ninth and Catherine Dudley 13th.

Riffey turned in another good run, finishing sixth in the 100 freestyle, while Brooks was 11th and Weflen was 16th.

McKinney placed seventh in the 500 freestyle and Miller was 10th, while Ella Dixon was 13th.

Brooks was eighth in the 100 backstroke, while Oliver was ninth and Wittkamper was 13th.

In the 100 breaststroke, Wheetley was eighth and Dudley was 10th.

Because of the extreme cold, the preliminaries were moved to Friday, but Hertzler said they had worked on the “uncontrollables” of competition and she said the team was ready despite the change.

All in all, the Arabians shaved 118.46 seconds from their times during the event, had 11 best times in the finals and had 30 lifetime best times.

With only one senior, Cougill, the Arabians have a solid foundation for the next several season, Hertzler said.

“It was a great experience for them. They are hungry and excited for next year,” she said.