It was smiles all around for the St. Charles North swimmers as they posed for a team picture Saturday, clutching their state runner-up plaque.

A terrific performance by the North Stars to be sure in the state final meet at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, but the elation of taking second place came with possibly the slightest bit of disappointment as well.

That’s because St. Charles North came so close to winning it all. They trailed eventual champion Stevenson 168-167 with three races remaining.

But the Patriots made a big push at the end to win 236-227. The key victory for Stevenson was in the penultimate event, the 100-yard breaststroke, a win by senior Nelli Sandor.

Still, a tremendous accomplishment by the North Stars, one that senior Kate Farrell will remember for a lifetime.

“Our

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