Hardts help Reno finish seventh in national relay

Sisters Kate and Julie Hardt had another outstanding day on Friday in the United States Swimming Championships at College Park, Md.

The Hardts, both Carson High graduates, helped lead Reno Aquatics to a seventh place finish in the 800-meter freestyle relay in eight minutes, 22.72 seconds. Kate, who will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, and Julie, who will be a senior at the University of Georgia, joined Kathryn Houston and Alyssa Chin in finishing seventh in the event. The same team placed 10th in the 400 free relay on Thursday.

Julie also placed 20th in the 400 free. She came into the event seeded 22nd. She qualified 20th for the finals in 4:18.74 and then improved her time to 4:18.54 in placing 20th in the finals.