By Cort Reynolds|
CANTON - Ada sophomore Klava Katayama advanced to the 50-yard freestyle finals at the 42nd annual Ohio Div. II girls state swim meet at Canton's C.T. Branin Natatorium Thursday evening.

Katayama took 16th out of 24 in the 50 freestyle preliminary heats in a time of 24.51, which garnered her the last qualifying spot for the B finals Friday evening.

Katayama tied for 18th in a field of 24 in the 100 butterfly semifinals. Klava and fellow sophomore Anna Baker of Middletown Bishop Fenwick each posted a time of 58.49, a career-best for the Adaite.

A swim-off for the 18th spot was to be held between Katayama and Baker to determine the final provisional spot in case of a higher finisher is unable to compete Friday.

The top eight finishers from the preliminary heats make it to the A finals Friday, while 9-16 make it to the B finals. The 17-18 finishers are provisional qualifiers who can move up into a spot in the B finals in case of an injury or illness to those who finished ahead of them.

The Div. II race finals start at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23.