Key league win for Melrose, 89-78
Published in the September 29, 2017 edition
MELROSE’S SAM D’Allesandro was among the first place finishers in Melrose’s league win over Burlington last week. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider swim team pulled off an impressive victory over league foe Burlington on Tuesday, Sept. 19 on the road. Melrose was led by several first place finishes among their upperclassmen and the team’s relay teams.
Melrose took an early 8-6 lead after a first place finish by their 200 medley relay team behind the efforts of Molly Williams, Maddy Hughes, Sam D’Allesandro and Virginia Guanci. Molly Williams placed first in the 200 yard free, along with teammate Jan Kahler (2nd) and Stephanie Overlan (4th) that helped Melrose keep a 20-10 lead.
Virginia Guanci kept things rolling with a first place finish in the 200 IM, and helped Melrose keep a 28-18 advantage. Burlington turned it on in the 50 free, sweeping the #1 and #2 spots that narrowed the meet 32-30. Sam D’Allesandro increased Melrose’s lead with a first place finish in the 100 fly and Molly Williams took the 100 free, keeping Melrose ahead 52-42. Maddy Hughes and Natasha Brown packed a 1-2 punch in the 500 free respectively and Melrose gained an edge of 63-47. Melrose’s 200 free relay of Jen Kahler, Maddy Hughes, Virginia Guanci and Sam D’Allesandro had a critical first place win that helped Melrose pull away 71-53. Some impressive second place wins by Olivia DeCecca (100 back) and Virginia Guanci (100 breast) and the 400 free relay team of Natasha Brown, Delia Frederick, Jen Kaley and Josefa Baeza-Diaz gave Melrose a final 89-79 win.
There have been several outstanding results this season, and as a result plenty of swimmers have already qualified for post season. Among those who will be representing Melrose at States, so far, are Sam D’Allesandro, Virginia Guanci, Maddy Hughes, Jen Kahler and Molly Williams.
D’Allesandro has already qualified for three events, including the 200 medley (2:01.21) the 200 free (2:09.08) the 50 free (26.49) the 100 free (57.75) and the 200 free relay (1:49.94.) Also qualified in sections in 100 fly at 1:08.35. Maddy Hughes will swim the 200 medley and the 100 fly. Virginia Quanci will swim the 200 medley (2:01.21) and 200 IM (2:20.15) along with the 200 free relay. Jen Kahler will swim the 200 medley. Williams will compete in the 200 medley, 200 free, 500 free and 200 free relay.
Melrose hopes to extend their winning streak when they travel to Chelmsford on Friday at 4:00 p.m.
