Team medals, breaks records at States

Published in the November 25, 2016 edition

THE MELROSE Lady Raider swim team had a successful run at the MIAA Div. 2 State Finals on Sunday. (courtesy photo) 

THE MELROSE Lady Raider swim team had a successful run at the MIAA Div. 2 State Finals on Sunday. (courtesy photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High School girls’ swim team capped off another historic season by representing at the MIAA All State meet on Sunday, November 20 at Harvard University.

Nine swimmers were in the lineup, including senior captain Isabel Bates, sophomore Natasha Brown, junior Samantha D’alessandro, junior Olivia DeCecca, junior Virginia Guanci, junior Madeline Hughes, sophomore Jennifer Kahler, senior captain Alva Ronn, sophomore Molly Williams and manager Molly Bright.

The 200 medley relay team of Molly Williams, Virginia Guanci, Madeline Hughes and Samantha D’alessandro started the meet off by breaking the high school record swimming in a time of 1:55.81 (previous record set in 2014 by Madeline Hughes, Virginia Guanci, Samantha D’alessandro and Anna Steele). This record breaking swim earned them a seventh place finish.

Samantha D’alessandro had a strong day, finishing 3rd in the 50 freestyle with a personal best time of 24.91. The junior also finished 3rd in the 100 freestyle in a time of 54.12, a personal best this season. According to head coach Deb Deacon, the junior swam her best. “Sam was outstanding in her events, and was back in her element and comfort zone tonight.”

Virginia Guanci swam the 200 IM in a personal best time this season of 2:16.13 and a 7th place finish. Even better, she swam a solid 1:11.11 in the 100 breaststroke, finishing 4th in this event. “Virginia swam great,” says coach Deacon. “She often has a bit of a mental block coming to the big meets, however, tonight she brought her A game and swam a fantastic meet.”

Madeline Hughes swam her near personal best of 1:04.31 for an 11th place finish in the 100 fly. She finished 13th in the backstroke with a time of 1:04.54 and a personal best time this season. Isabel Bates swam a stellar 100 backstroke in a time of 1:08.37 (only the 2nd time swimming sub 1:09 this season).

Molly Williams had a fantastic day, swimming the 500 free to finish 6th with a near personal best this season of 5:29.25 in the 20 lap sprint event. Minutes later she swam the 100 back in a personal best time of 1:05.58. “Molly rocked the 500 free. She swam with true heart and grit today; she was amazing!” says her coach.

The 200 relay team of Olivia DeCecca (28.11), Alva Ronn (28.26), alternate and saving grace Natasha Brown (27.60) and Jennifer Kahler (26.70) swam a personal best relay time of 1:50.67 for an 11th place finish.The 400 relay team of Molly Williams (58.45) Madeline Hughes (57.55) Virginia Guanci (56.90) and Samantha D’alessandro (55.50) finished 7th in this event with a 3:48.47.

Overall, it was a fantastic way to cap off the season, and just one week after Melrose had their best-ever performance at Sectionals. “They’ve performed amazing this season,” says Deacon. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

Melrose returns plenty of talent next season, so get used to the MHS girls’ swim making waves.