Williams, D’Allesandro take silver; best showing ever for Melrose
Published in the November 27, 2015 edition
THE MELROSE Lady Raider swim team had their best showing ever at the MIAA All States meet on Saturday. Pictured prior to the event, from left front: Molly Williams, Olivia DeCecca, Virginia Guanci, Samantha D’Alessandro, Holly Cohan. Back: Maddy Hughes, Alva Ronn, Ali Thome and Isabel Bates.
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — Only a few years ago, Melrose girls’ swim team struggled for wins, not to mention a pool to call home. Now they are flying past competition and considered among the best in the state. On Nov. 21, the Lady Raider swim team earned a spot on the podium at the MIAA Div. 2 State final by placing seventh with 159 points, among powerhouse teams such as Bishop Feehan, Belmont, Reading, Wellesley, Central Catholic and Ursuline Academy. This represents Melrose’s best showing ever at a State Final.
An elated Melrose coach Deb Deacon had faith in the team, but wasn’t expecting so many best times during the day. “After Sectionals when we broke four school records and girls swam personal bests, I was hoping we could hold those times this weekend,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting we would blow those times out of the water in so many events. Knowing how hard these girls have worked all season, I should have expected it.”
Melrose sophomore Sam D’Allesandro had an incredible performance, just 1/2 second off being crowned the state champion in the 100 freestyle, placing second with a time of 53:77. The sophomore also competed in the 200 medley relay with a 50 fly of 30.01. She placed fourth in 50 free with a time of 24.92. “Her performance was was incredible and it was her personal best for the season,” says her coach. The tireless D’Allesandro was also the anchor in the 400 free relay that finished seventh with a time of 53.90.
One of the more stunning Melrose feats was the silver medal earned by Melrose freshman Molly Williams in the 500 freestyle, a 20 lap swim. Her time of 5:25.90 was good enough for second place. Overall she impressed with all her swims. “For Molly Williams to finish second in the 500 – as a freshmen – was incredible,” says Deacon. “She swam her fastest 100 free time in her opening 100 (59.66 ) and she never looked back.” Williams was also a key member in the eighth place 200 free relay and the sixth place 500 free relay teams. She also finished 15th in the 100 back and competed in the 400 free relay.
They weren’t the only underclassmen who medaled. Virginia Guanci finished fifth in the 200IM and ninth in the 100 breast as well as being a member of the sixth place 200 medley relay team and sixth in the 400 freestyle relay team. Madeline Hughes earned a ribbon for her 9th place finish in the 100 back. Junior Isabel Bates was a key member of the 200 free relay as well swimming the second leg in a 27.96. “This was her absolute personal best time of the season and a huge contributor to the eighth place finish,” reports her coach.
Melrose’s strong 200 yard medley team placed 6th behind the efforts of Madeline Hughes, Virginia Guanci, Sam D’Allesandro and Hollis Cohan.
Senior Co-Captain Ali Thome was the third leg in the 200 free relay and she swam her season best 50 free in a 27.01. “She has battled a nagging shoulder injury all season. When we were talking about who would swim the event, I told her we really needed her to swim a 27 in this relay and swim it she did,” says Deacon. “She has led the team all season and this swim exemplifies that leadership.”
Senior Co-Captain Holly Cohan made her final swim the Melrose girls’ swim team a good one. Cohan enjoyed an overall solid day, swimming consistently in her two events: the 50 free (27.40) and a 27.66 in the 200 free relay. “She led the relay off in true sprint fashion just as she has led the team all season,” says her proud coach.
It wasn’t just the competitive eight who helped Melrose get this far. The coach credits alternate swimmers Alva Ronn and manager Olivia DeCecca as instrumental in the success. “They were available should anyone become ill or injured at either Sectional or State meet, we couldn’t have had the success we did at these Championship meets.They sacrificed of their personal time by coming to practice an additional two weeks, working hard in the water knowing they may not have the opportunity to swim in either meet. They were selfless in what they gave to their teammates and without them.”
Overall, the coach was over the moon, concluding simply, “I am so proud of these girls.”
