POULSBO — There just weren’t enough fish in the sea for North Kitsap and Kingston high school’s combined swim team to pull in a win in their first meet this season. Mount Tahoma defeated the Vikings and Buccaneers Friday afternoon at the North Kitsap Community Pool, 95 to 68.

The meet was the first of many sporting events to be adversely affected by North Kitsap’s first taste of winter 2007-08. By Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rules, only swimmers who had 10 practices prior to the meet were eligible to compete. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the meet was moved to Friday because of adverse weather conditions.

The practice scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled, giving the team only 11 practices up to the meet. About half the team —including state hopeful Mike Colasurdo — missed one additional practice, so they were not able to compete.

Once the ineligibility list shook out and it was obvious that some of the more experienced swimmers would have to sit out, many new swimmers stepped up to fill the less popular endurance events, said coach Greg Braun. Those who earned kudos for showing heart included Kile Eggers, who volunteered for the 500 freestyle and Taylor Fladgard, who competed in the 100 butterfly.

“I was pleased with what I saw,” he said. “It was exciting to see them step up and fill those positions.”

For some, the excitement was purely in the competition.

“It was nice to get into the water and swim my heart out,” said Alex Bean, who placed third in the 200 individual medley.

Aaron Bilbao was disappointed with his 1:23:30 in the 100 breaststroke.

“I can do better, and I should have done better,” he said. His plan for improvement is to “go back and get faster every day.”

The top performers for North Kitsap and Kingston were Josh Despard, who took first place in the 50 free with a 25.39; and Tyler Pushckor, who took first in the 100 breaststroke with a 1:15:55.

The next scheduled meet is at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wilson High School in Tacoma.