FORT COLLINS – Lewis-Palmer is back up to Class 5A after a three-year hiatus. But you wouldn’t know it by Laura Day’s performance.

The junior, who won the 4A 100-yard breaststroke last year, had the second-best time in Friday’s 5A preliminaries at Edora Pool Ice Center.

Day and diver Chandler Marshall, who will compete in prelims at 9 a.m. Saturday, still are considered the Rangers’ best chances at an individual title. The consolation finals (top 16) and finals (top eight) for all events begin at 2 p.m.

Sophomore Karin Roh moved up two places to fifth in the 100 freestyle, but her time of 53.13 seconds still is a bit off of Cherry Creek star Bonnie Brandon, who set a Colorado record in 50.16. 

The Rangers also made the finals in the 200 medley relay after a sixth-place finish and the consolation finals in the 200 free relay (10th) and 400 free relay (13th).

Roh qualified 14th in a talent-loaded 50 free and senior Alex Claude was 15th in the 100 backstroke to make the consolation finals.

JAMES BACK AGAIN

Doherty sophomore Sarah James was fifth in the 100 backs prelims, one spot better than she was last year.

She finished fourth in the finals behind Regis Jesuit phenom Missy Franklin. And James again will have to contend with the U.S. national team member.

“I know it’s pretty out of my reach (to catch Missy Franklin), but I know I can beat some of those girls that are right behind her,” James said. “So hopefully second or third would be good.”

FRENCH H’OURDERVES

Rampart’s Lucile Chevalier didn’t make any finals in her first (and likely only) trip to state. The sophomore exchange student from Bordeaux, France, will represent the Rams in the 100 free, 200 free and 200 free relay consolation finals.

Chevalier cut .97 of a second off her 100, moving up four places to 11th. She also dropped 4.44 seconds while moving up two places to 13th in the 200.

Also impressive was Rampart’s 200 free relay improving from 21st to 15th to advance.

Follow Angie DiSalvo at state on Twitter

Rampart sophomore Carli Snyder competes during the 200-yard individual medley prelim on Friday in Fort Collins. Photo by THE DENVER POST

Missy Franklin swam the first leg of the women’s 200-yard medley relay for Regis Jesuit on Friday. Franklin is one of the top swimmers at any level and is expected to breeze to several titles at state. Photo by THE DENVER POST

Rampart sophomore Carli Snyder swam her 200-yard individual medley prelim Friday in Fort Collins. Photo by THE DENVER POST