Prestonwood and Lochmere comprise half of the Tarheel Swimming Association’s four-team Elite League, and both have dominated their opponents in five dual-team matches this summer. They have also combined to win the last 15 Cary City Invitationals — Lochmere from 1991-2003 and Prestonwood the past two years.

So when dawn arrived Saturday at Scottish Hills Recreational Club, Lochmere was represented by 192 swimmers competing in 531 individual events and 40 relays; Prestonwood by 160 swimmers in 438 individual events and 32 relays. Just by sheer depth of numbers, the winner was expected to emerge from those two teams.

By nightfall, Prestonwood had won its third straight Invitational title, totaling 1882.5 points, followed by Lochmere with 1,590, Scottish Hills with 934, Cary with 906.5 and Triangle with 740 to round out the top five in the 28-team event.

“We’ve been working really hard all summer and they just put it together today,” Prestonwood coach Laura Fulton said. “They are a goal-oriented group.”

In the past, Prestonwood has relied heavily on its younger swimmers for points, but this time the older swimmers were the key to victory, Fulton said.

“Our older kids were really gaining points from each event,” she said, “but today was an overall team success. I’ve never been as proud as I am today.”

Leading the afternoon charge was Prestonwood’s 12-year-old triumvirate of Erin Mahoney, Maggie Holsinger and Lauren Steagall, who were the top three point leaders in the girls 11-12 division.

Jordan Green, 14, scored a maximum 60 points in the 13-14 boys division, Katie Lehman, 14, scored 49 in the 13-14 girls division and 15-year-old Amy Holsinger was the Piranhas top 15-18 girls swimmer with 37.5 points.

“As an older swimmer, it’s fun because you get to lead the younger kids,” Amy Holsinger said. “You feel an obligation to do your best.

“It’s really exciting to see everyone do so well. The coaches work so hard.”

The afternoon session also brought Prestonwood two new city records. The Piranhas’ 11-12 200-yard girls medley and freestyle relays swam to record times of 2:04 and 1:54, respectively.

Leading Preston’s morning session were Nicole Webb, 6, with 34 points in the 6-and-under girls division; Garrett McClay, 8, with 36 points in the 7-8 boys division; Emma Grace Housman, 10, with 43.5 points in the 9-10 girls division; and Tad Spence, 10, who notched 60 points in the 9-10 boys division.

But the day did not belong to Prestonwood.

Leading Lochmere’s charge were Nicole Walko, 6, who recorded a perfect 40 points in the 6-and-under girls; Amanda Lamb, 10, with 53 points; J.T. Bartel, 10, with 50 points; Patrick D’Alessio, 12, with 52 points; Brad D’Alessio, 14, with 50 points; and Kimmy Davis, 18, with 57 points.

Other 60-point performances were recorded by Erica Hoff, 8, of Abbington, in the 7-8 girls division and Katie Olson, 14, of Glenridge, in the 13-14 girls division.

Cary City records were also broken by Olson in the 50-yard backstroke (29.09 seconds) and Hannah Facchine of Dutchman Downs in 15-18 girls 50-yard breaststroke (31.28).

While the day was highly competitive in the pool, swimmers were able to relax in the sun and bond together as a community. Many teams exchanged gifts, such as goody-bags, with their rivals.

“The energy has been at an all-time high,” Fulton said. “Everyone was just so excited, ready to go and looking forward to this day.”

A distant seventh in the overall standings, the Cary Central Rotary Club’s Team Spirit Award was presented to Abbington for its demonstration of team spirit and sportsmanship.

And for another year, Prestonwood can claim the title as Cary City Invitational champion.