MUSCATINE, Iowa - The Bettendorf Bulldogs punched their ticket to state Saturday, taking the regional swim meet at Muscatine by 141 points over Iowa City West.

Bettendorf set five pool records on its way to its fifth straight regional title.

"Our girls were fired up," Bulldogs coach Mike Ahrens said. "We still have a lot more speed to unleash next week."

For Ahrens, the most surprising record was the 400 freestyle relay. A clutch anchor leg by Margaret Barber sealed the deal for Bettendorf. That record was one that two relay team members wanted badly, for personal reasons.

Rebecca Alves and Barber have a competition with their brothers to see who can have the most records at Muscatine.

"Rebecca wanted that record real bad," Barber said.

Advantage: sisters.

Bettendorf's Molly Coonce shared the regional athlete of the year honors with Iowa City High's Beth Eyanson. Coonce swam last year for Sherrard as the only one on the team and enrolled at Bettendorf this season.

"I'm excited because I get to be on this team with other girls to share the experience with," Coonce said.

Despite her strong showing, one individual win, one second and a relay win, Coonce said she could do more.

"I'm not satisfied with my times," Coonce said. "I'm halfway through my taper, so I should be in good position for next week."

Coonce's second place came against Eyanson in the 100 butterfly.

"Molly was not happy after that," Ahrens said. "That put some fire in her."

The Bulldogs won six of 11 events and advanced 10 girls to state.

Other local state qualifiers include Pleasant Valley's Gabbie Stecker in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

Looking ahead to next week, Ahrens stressed that winning relays would be key for his squad.

"The fly ought to be a really competitive match. We expect Molly and Caitlin (Campbell) to go 1-2," Ahrens said.

Coonce enjoys the thought of trying to defeat a teammate in a state championship setting.

"It's a lot of fun," Coonce said. "We push each other in practice. We want each other to do our best."