Another victory for talented Melrose team
Published in the October 9, 2015 edition
FRESHMAN MOLLY Williams is one of the swimmers already making a name for herself for the MHS swim team. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — Teams around the Middlesex League are figuring it out: Don’t mess with Melrose swimming.
The Lady Raider swim team has topped another opponent, this time a convincing 91-79 win against Winchester on Monday at their home base of Mystic Charter Pool in Malden. Melrose nearly swept all top spots, with outstanding performances from senior captain Holly Cohan and their lights-out underclassmen.
Melrose took first place finishes in every event but one, starting the day with an outstanding 200 medley relay with a team of Sam D’Allesandro, Virginia Guanci, Holly Cohan and Molly Williams. The team started the meet perfectly with a first place finish to give Melrose an instant lead.
In the 200 IM Melrose’s Virginia Quanci took first with teammate Cohan right behind her, earning points to keep Melrose in front of the Sachems. Sam D’Allesandro was far ahead of the pack in the 50 freestyle, for a first place win.
One of the most impressive swims of the day came from Holly Cohan in the 100 butterfly. After lagging behind a few paces, the senior motored in the final stretch to victory. According to her coach, “That was a crazy and amazing come from behind win. And she came back in the medley relay too to help us win. Just an incredible day overall for her.”
Maddie Hughes won the 100 freestyle, edging her Sachem opponent by inches and qualifying for sectionals in the process.
In the 200 freestyle relay, Melrose took another win when the team of Cohan, Jennifer Kahler, Isabelle Bates and Madeline Hughes took a first place finish of 1:51.84.
Virginia Guanci had another outstanding swim in the 100 breaststroke which helped Melrose keep a 74-66 edge over Winchester going into the final swims.
Freshman Molly Williams wowed the crowd with a stunning first place win in the 100 backstroke, gaining energy in her final lap to beat her upperclass Sachem opponent. She won the race easily and teammate Natasha Brown and Isabelle Bates right behind at second and third.
Williams was also part of Melrose’s finale for the afternoon: their 400 free relay team consisting of the freshman and teammates Sam D’Allesandro, Maddie Hughes and Virginia Guanci, who together took place first place with a best time of 3:58.64.
After hosting Woburn on Wednesday (post deadline) Melrose will face Wakefield at home on Oct. 14 at 3:45 looking to extend their winning streak.
