MOST SPORT TEAMS WOULD CONSIDER    themselves a family complete with strong friendships and bonds. For girls swimming, however, this family is more than just a figurative one.

The girls swimming and diving team has five pairs of sisters on their roster.

Madeline Albert, senior, and Claire Albert, freshman, are both swimmers for MHS. Madeline has been swimming on the team for four years, while this is Claire’s first year.

“We’ve always swam together on other teams,” Claire said. “We like to encourage the competition.”

Claire and Madeline both swim the 100 free, as well as Claire swimming 100 back and Madeline the 200 IM.

“We basically swim in the same lane so were always next to each other,” Madeline said. “I try to beat her.”

Along with the competition brought from swimming together, both Claire and Madeline said swimming together brings them closer. Also, they said the team having so many sisters brings them together as a whole.

“Because we’re both on the team I’ve become friends with a lot of freshman,” Madeline said. “Having siblings on the team bridges the gap between seniors and freshman.”

Elizabeth and Maria Doherty are also sisters on the team. Elizabeth, senior, and Maria, sophomore, agree swimming has brought them closer and caused them to share friends.

“I’ve become friends with a lot of Maria’s friends and she has become friends with mine,” Elizabeth said. “Having so many sisters makes the team stronger.”

The Doherty sisters have always swum together for Ballwin’s team, but unlike the Albert’s, each swims different races.

“I think Maria looks up to me in swimming,” Elizabeth said. “She sets her goals to beat me.”

Sisters Jessi Goring, senior, and Allie Goring, sophomore, are also on the girls swim team. Both sisters swim the 50 free, their only race in common.

“We’re in completely different lanes, so it’s not that big of a deal,” Jessi said.

Though Allie and Jessie don’t swim the same events, Allie said she still sets goals to reach Jessi’s speed.

“We don’t try to compete against each other,” Allie said. “I just try to go as fast as her.”

The final duo on the roster is the Porporis sisters Katiana, freshman, and Raquel, junior. The sisters have been swimming together since they were 4 and 6, and have been swimming on teams together their whole life.

“I look up to Raquel as a long distance swimmer,” Katina said. “She pushes me and makes me work more.”

For Raquel swimming with a sibling is nothing new. Sister Natasha, Class of 2013, was on the team last year.

“I love swimming with my sisters,” Raquel said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Girls swimming State begins Friday, Feb. 21, at the St. Peters RecPlex.