SENIORS CELEBRATED. Melrose swim coach Alex Pennachio was on hand to help celebrate seniors Nick Sasso (left) and Andrew DeFiore prior to the start of their meet against Lexington last week. The State-qualified swimmers are both enjoying winning seasons. (courtesy photo)

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

 

MALDEN—The Melrose High boy’s swim team enjoyed Senior Night on Thursday, Jan. 13 at their home base at Malden High prior to the start of their meet against Arlington.

Being honored were senior captains Nick Sasso and Andrew DiFiore, two standout swimmers that have qualified for a post season this winter. They were feted by their teammates, families and their coach, Alex Pennachio, who gave a speech honoring Sasso and DiFiore for their many years of service, while also pausing for a moment of silence for longtime former MHS coach Dick Whitworth, who passed away last month.

After the ceremony, the team plunged in the pool for the start of the meet. Melrose ultimately fell in a close score of 89-75, but saw many personal bests that had their coach proud. Those personal bests included William Lowe and Nick Sasso in the 200 free, Owen Erelli in the 100 free, Gabe Hunnicutt in the 100 back and Owen Brodeur in the 100 breast.

Melrose saw some first place finishes in the start of the race, with Nick Sasso winning the 200 free and teammate William Lowe and Jonah Peters third and fifth, respectively. DiFiore prevailed in the 50 free and that helped Melrose stay in the meet down just 23-38. Andrew DiFiore had a solid second place finish in the 100 free and William Lowe and Nick Sasso finished 1-2 in the 500 free, respectively. That kept Melrose in shooting range down just 43-66. Melrose’s 200 free relay team finished in second behind the work of Ben Terentiyev, William Lowe, Nick Sasso and Andrew DiFiore.

Ben Terentiyev prevailed in the 100 breaststroke, and Melrose’s 400 yard free relay team of DiFiore, Lowe, Gabe Hunnicutt and Terentiyev also placed first which brought Melrose to a high point total of 75 points. Still, Arlington had pulled away for a final 89-75 victory.

Melrose will travel to Shawsheen Tech. on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 4:00 p.m. and will take part in the Middlesex League meet at a time/date TBD.