Sachem Varsity Swimming and Diving Team Competes In NYS Qualifier

Last Saturday the Sachem East Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving team headed to Suffolk Community College in Brentwood to make their mark at the New York State Qualifying meet. Coach Kathleen Dugan reported on some of the highlights of the meet, including some new swim records now in the books.

The following highlights include:

New records.

Freshman Kianna Papele re-broke her own school record in the 50 free with a :25.21 and placed 6th overall. In the 100 breast she placed 5th overall and shattered her own school record with a 109.27. She had the meet of her life and it was exciting to see the freshman finish out the season on such a high note.

Junior Carla Palma had strong outing.

Palma placed 9th in the 200 free with a 2:04.17 and 10th in the 100 free with a :56.65. "Carla is a great big-meet swimmer and stepped up to the occasion with some big swims," stated Dugan.

Personal bests in the relays.

The 200 medley relay comprised of Abigail Groffmann, Kianna Papele, Carla Palma and Ariel Tsia placed 8th with a 1:59.92. The 200 free relay comprised of Kianna Papele, Brenna Dowd, Marisa Pandolfo and Ariel Tsia placed 8th with a 1:47.30. The 400 free relay comprised of Abigail Groffmann, Brenna Dowd, Marisa Pandolfo and Carla Palma placed 8th with a 3:59.81.

Two divers competed in their first state qualifier ever.

They gained great experience for future years: Christina Scammon and Samantha Frisina.

"Overall this is the most amount of girls I have sent to the state qual meet in my three seasons with the team," stated Dugan. "It was a great season and ended on a great note. I'm extremely proud of all the girls and am looking forward to next season."

List of girls who competed:
Kianna Papele 9th grade
Carla Palma 11th grade
Brenna Dowd 12th grade
Ariel Tsia 9th grade
Abigail Groffmann 12th grade
Corley Miller 12th grade
Marisa Pandolfo 11th grade
Christina Scammon 10th grade
Samantha Frisina 10th grade