Amherst Girls Swim Team Dives into State Qualification: 4×400 Free Relay on the Horizon!

The Amherst girls swimming squad’s 400-yard freestyle relay team understands what it requires to triumph.

Two years back, the Hurricanes’ 400 relay squad showed up when it mattered most during the Central/West contest. Needing victory in the event to secure the championship for a second consecutive season, Amherst’s team sped through the race 20 seconds quicker than their seeding time to assist the Hurricanes in achieving a comeback win.

Two members from that relay group remain part of Amherst as Rowan Albertson and Finnley Chambers, while this year, Caprial Dibartolomeo, Sadie Cyr, and Emory Albertson have all participated with the relay team at various times.

“I rotate across all the relays,” remarked Amherst head coach Denise Leckenby. “However, since we haven’t achieved that state qualification yet, we did stack that relay [Tuesday], as we are simply going to try and accomplish it. Once we secure it, we can all ease up a bit and place different participants in all three relays.”

Assistant coach Jane Denenberg noted there’s a tactical aspect to alternating the relay teams because when the sectional and state competitions arrive, the team aspires to accumulate as many points as possible.

In the contest against Easthampton on Tuesday, the Hurricanes’ 400 relay was half a second short of the state-qualifying time. Nevertheless, Rowan Albertson believes the synergy within the team will enable them to meet their objectives ahead.

“One of the relay swimmers is my sister, so that relationship is firmly established,” said Rowan Albertson. “But all of us have been swimming for numerous years, dating back to our childhood. We’ve all been part of the high school team for a long time, so it’s inherently built in, which is fantastic.”

Relays also unveil another dimension to swimmers that they do not typically access during their individual competitions, according to Amherst’s junior swimmer.

“I believe it’s quite distinct,” shared Rowan Albertson. “Swimming is often viewed as an individual sport, and the relay, particularly during the high school season, is so enjoyable because it genuinely feels like a team. You’re not merely swimming for yourself, you’re swimming for the relay.”

Amherst’s forthcoming opportunity to qualify for the states will occur during a contest against Springfield Central on Friday, Jan. 17.

Mt. Institute Ski League Commences at Berkshire East

The initial meet of the Mt. Institute Ski League took place on Wednesday at Berkshire East Mountain Resort. Local skiers from nearby prep schools, including Williston Northampton, took part in a two-run slalom for both boys’ and girls’ races.

Northfield Mount Hermon dominated both varsity races while each Williston team placed fourth.

Emmett Gould was the highest finisher for the Wildcats’ boys team, securing 14th place with an overall time of 99.92 seconds across both runs.

On the girls’ side, Williston had consecutive placements from Elise Edminds and Sierra Grandonico, who finished in 20th and 21st position, respectively. Edminds recorded a combined time of 123.99, closely followed by Grandonico’s completion time of 126.02.

Pope Francis Girls Hockey Update

At the midseason mark of the Pope Francis girls hockey team’s campaign, the Cardinals boast a win percentage of precisely .500, showcasing a 5-5 record.

Assistant captain Giada Musa spearheads the Cardinals with six goals and is tied in scoring with Natalia Elson, both earning seven points.

Amherst local Felix Goeckel has gathered 143 saves in goal for Pope Francis and has conceded just five goals throughout the season.

The Cardinals will welcome Algonquin next at Smead Arena on Friday at 7 p.m.