No team depth costs Amherst
Girls swimming

Despite winning seven of the 12 events, the Amherst varsity girls swimming team lost to Starpoint, 100-79, on Sept 18.

Amherst got off to a great start, winning the first six events, but Starpoint's depth was the deciding factor.

"Even though we won the first four events leading up to diving, the score was tied," said Amherst coach Kim Skomra. "Amherst Athletic Director Nancy Riccio was at the meet, and couldn't believe the nearly two-to-one ratio."

"There were (so many Starpoint swimmers that they were) spilling on to our bench," added coach Debbie Sullivan. "Anyone watching the meet might have thought we won, since we took more first places than they did, but those second, third, and fourth places really added up for them."

Amherst had plenty to be pleased about, despite the loss. Best times were recorded by Ellie Poleon in a come-from-behind victory in the 200-yard freestyle, Charlotte Drozda (200 individual medley), Emilie Byrd (50 free) and Kaelyn Sullivan (100 free).

"These swimmers all qualified for the ECIC meet, which takes a lot of the pressure off early on," said Skomra.

Joanna Bardak and Julia Buscaglia also recorded personal-best times in the 100 free.

"Our relay starts looked awesome, which is something we have spent a lot of time practicing," said Sullivan.

The only double winner for Amherst was Michelle Niblock, taking first in the 200 IM and the 100 fly. She hit sectional times in both.

Other event winners included Eva Lankes (50 free), Sarah Masters (diving, sectional qualifying score) and the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay teams of Niblock, Sullivan, Poleon and Lankes.