5 school records broken at North Sectionals
Published in the November 17, 2017 edition
THE MELROSE High girls’ swim team had their most prolific showing at Sectionals to date, taking 5th overall. Pictured front row, from left: Natasha Brown, Maddie Hughes. Back: Sam D’Allesandro, Molly Williams, Virginia Guanci, Olivia DeCecca and Jen Kahler. (courtesy photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It was a historic performance for the 2017 Melrose High School girl’s swim team, who broke five school records and collected medals at the MIAA North Sectional Championship at M.I.T. on Nov. 11. Melrose walked away in 5th place, a remarkable feat that puts them toe-to-toe with state heavyweights and represents Melrose best showing ever in statewide competition.
“I am beyond proud of their efforts,” said head coach Deb Deacon. “It was surreal in the first races when we broke records—I knew it was going to be a good day for the girls. So to finish right behind reigning state champs Andover, league champ Reading and a loaded Belmont was incredible.”
Junior Molly Williams commanded during the day. Williams became a North Sectional silver medalist in the 500 free, nearly breaking the school record set by Aley Quinn in 2003 with her 5:15.82 time, 16 seconds off her seed time. Williams also earned bronze with a new Melrose High School record in the 200 free style. Deacon was thrilled for Williams. “She swam out of her mind. She’s so close to breaking the 500 too.”
Other record-smashers include Melrose’s 200 medley relay team of Williams, Virginia Guanci, Maddie Hughes and Sam D’Allesando, who started the meet off on the right track and placed 4th at 1:53.96, breaking Melrose High’s record. Virginia Guanci was also power for Melrose. The swimmer shattered her record of 100 breast of 1:11 with a time 1:08 and then set a new record in the 200IM with a time of 2:13.94 (6th). Sam D’Allesandro also set a new school record in the 50 free with a time of 24.81 (5th place) and earned 4th place in the 100 free with a best time of 54.12.
It was a lot to take in for coach Deacon. “I was proud to see the sheer elation on their faces when they saw their times..it was amazing. Like the song – these girls were on fire.”
Melrose showed plenty of depth during the day during individual and relay races. Maddy Hughes qualified for States in the 100 back, smashing her seed time of 1:08 with a finish of 1:03. She also swam her best time in the 100 fly with 1:04.16. Jen Kahler swam her best time in the 50 free with a 26.31 time. Melrose’s 400 free relay team was well represented by Olivia DeCecca, Natasha Brown, Jen Kahler and Maddie Hughes.
For Deacon, it was important that the team focused on rest before the event. “I told them it was very important to get a lot of rest and to eat well over the week and clearly they listened. Our seven girls were a lucky seven. They were incredible. That Melrose is up there with the best-of-the-best in swimming makes me so proud.”
But there work doesn’t end now. Melrose will compete at States this Sunday for a chance to collect more hardware. Melrose will return their Lucky 7 to swim events: Natasha Brown, Sam D’Alessandro, Olivia DeCecca, Virginia Guanci, Jennifer Kahler, Maddy Hughes, and Molly Williams. Swimming individually are D’Allesandro (50 free & 100 free), Virginia Guanci (200IM, 100 breast) Jennifer Kahler (50 free), Maddy Hughes (100 fly, 100 back) and Molly Williams (200 & 500 free).
There is a lot of work ahead and Deacon wants them prepared. “We are going to work hard this week before heading to WPI next Sunday on a 6:30 a.m. bus.”
Time for rest, girls.
