It’s hard not to expect big things from a Sumner High girls swim team that shattered school records and finished 10th in the state in 2009. But when all but one of those state swimmers returns, and a handful of youngsters are expected to contribute from the season’s first splash, the bar is set high. “I’m looking forward to an outstanding season,” second-year coach Dana Powers said. “There is a talented group of young ladies that will be a contender this year at the state championship meet. We are looking forward to great swims and an exceptional season.” Her enthusiasm is based on the returning corps of veterans and SHS’s move from Class 3A to 2A. Those returners will be led by junior Sami Hendricks, who placed eighth in the state 50-yard freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle and also raced on legs of the Spartans’ eighth-place 200 medley relay and sixth-place 200 freestyle relay. “Hendricks is focused to become an ironman,” Powers said. “An ironman is someone who qualifies in every event for state.” Joining Hendricks is senior Emma Thompson. Thompson was part of both state-medal relays. Sophomore Ashley Huynh, who raced in the state 100 breaststroke and on the 200 medley and free relays, also returns. Returning district swimmers are senior Lizzie Kressler and sophomore Kallan Gustafson. Both will be contenders to make state this year. Seniors Jaime Morey and Katie Ekse, sophomore McKenna Roberts and junior Ali Bryant also return. Returning subdistrict swimmers include senior Kendra Creech, juniors Dani Nasawang, Sarah Grant, Jessie Shook and Keri Hegal. All five swimmers bring experience and talent to the water, Powers said. Newcomers include seniors Mary Jane Lane, junior Katie Bateman and sophomores Ashleigh Johnson and Sadie Parks. Powers is also excited about freshman Alicia Ditty, Kirsten Easterly and Madison Munger. Ditty should help in the backstroke and sprints and Munger, a year-round swimmer, will bring a strong presence to the pool and is expected to replace graduate Taylor Ditty on the state relay teams. The Spartans start the season with a nonleague contest against 3A Enumclaw at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center. The Spartans dive into the SPSL 2A season Sept. 16 at home with Steilacoom.