After historic season, more talent returns in ’16
Published in the September 9, 2016 edition
THE MELROSE High girls’ swim team could pull off another record breaking season. They return to the pool this week. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — After one of its best seasons in history, the Melrose High girls’ varsity swim team dives into action this week as they kick off their Fall 2016 campaign.
The team surpassed all expectations last year, when they broke several records and medaled at the MIAA Div. 2 State finals, landing on the podium among powerhouse teams such as Bishop Feehan, Belmont, Reading, Wellesley, Central Catholic and Ursuline Academy. It represented Melrose’s best showing ever at a State Final. The team also broke four school records at Sectionals just weeks prior.
When the season ended, Melrose had compiled their best record in nearly 20 years at 7-4 with quality wins over Arlington, Winchester and Woburn while dominating the Small league in beating Burlington, Stoneham and Wakefield.
Even better? They return this season with some of the best swimmers in the states, which include Melrose junior Sam D’Allesandro, a state silver medalists in the 100 freestyle and teammate Molly Williams, a state silver medalist in the 500 freestyle. Melrose can expect some more top notch swimming from Maddy Hughes, senior Isabel Bates and Virginia Guanci, a swimmer who has twice set an MHS school record.
Leading as captains this season are seniors Alva Ronn, Isabel Bates and Molly Bright, who will lead the 32 total swimmers on the team, including eight fellow seniors.
Melrose gets their chance to earn their first win of the season when they host Belmont at home on Friday at the Mystic Valley Regional Charter pool. They hit the block at 4:00 p.m.
