Amherst places fourth in Division 'A'

Amherst Central's girls swimming team splashed to a fourth place finish out of 13 teams at the ECIC "A" finals held last Friday at Sweet Home High School.

"After being out of the water for eight days because of the storm, the girls did a fantastic job," commented coach Ann Crittendon.

"Most of the girls posted personal best times at this meet, which is incredible given the circumstances."

The Lady Tigers were led by Sarah Masters with a first in 1-meter diving and Eva Lankes, who touched out last year's champ Jessica Peronne of Starpoint in the 50 free in a school record time of 25.52.

In one of the most exciting races of the night, Amherst's 200 free relay team of Lankes, Kaelyn Sullivan, Michelle Niblock and Brianne Burton fought off eventual team champions Starpoint and runner-up East Aurora on the last leg to finish first in a fast 1:45.67. This same foursome also touched second in the 200 medley relay.

"It's nice to see these four have some success at this level, especially Burton, a senior who will have some nice memories to take with her," said coach Kim Skomra.

Some fine individual swims were also turned in by Burton (second 100 free; third 200 IM), Niblock (third, 100 fly) and Lankes (fourth, 100 back).

Personal best times were turned by Ellie Polean (200 free), Emily Call (200 and 500 free), Melissa Tschamler (200 IM, 100 fly) Emma O'Connor (50 and 100 free), Larissa Kumm (100 back), Sullivan (50 free, 100 breast) and Niblock (200 IM).

"We hope this trend continues next week at sectionals," said Skomra. "We have to go back into the pool to try and fine tune a few things."

The Section VI Championships will be held Thursday through Saturday at Erie Community College's Burt Flickinger Center.