The Carlmont JV ladies swim staff was narrowly defeated by the Menlo-Atherton Bears, 94-92, in a hard-fought away meet on April 2.
From the opening occasions, the Scots got here out sturdy, setting a aggressive tone with quick instances. Their early momentum helped them construct a bonus. However, the Bears responded within the second half of the meet, chipping away at Carlmont’s lead earlier than finishing the comeback within the ultimate occasions.
Even because the rating tightened, the Scots’ power by no means faltered. Teammates lined the pool deck, cheering loudly for each race. Sophomore Saaz Ghate gained three of her races: the 200-meter medley relay, the 200-meter freestyle, and the 400-meter freestyle relay.
“To mentally prepare for a meet, I always try to visualize myself and my team winning,” Ghate stated.
The profitable mindset performed an essential function within the staff’s sturdy begin. In swimming, success usually relies upon simply as a lot on psychological preparation as bodily potential.
“I always try to let go of my nerves by listening to music or talking with my friends,” Ghate stated.
Beyond the psychological facet, the game can also be very bodily demanding, pushing athletes to carry out via exhaustion.
“When I’m racing, everything hurts, but you have to keep your head down and focus,” stated teammate Ananya Jain.
Jain competed within the 200-meter medley relay, 50-meter butterfly, 200-meter freestyle relay, and the 100-meter breaststroke. Throughout the meet, the Scots remained totally engaged, continually supporting each other from the sidelines. Still, Ghate believes confidence is one space the staff can proceed to enhance.
“We can improve by having more confidence in ourselves. I feel like we lack that right now, including myself,” Ghate stated.
Although swimming is commonly considered as a person sport, Carlmont’s staff tradition stands out for its sturdy unity and assist.
“I think a lot of our team spirit has to do with one of our coaches, Mr. Kelly. He’s a big fan of team spirit,” stated swimmer Hila Dremer.
Dremer is in her second yr of swimming for Carlmont. She competed within the 200-meter medley relay, 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter breaststroke, and the 200-meter freestyle relay.
The staff’s preparation main as much as the meets additionally performs a significant function of their performances.
“Preparing for a meet is a cumulitive time period, it’s not just one thing. Before a meet, we typically focus on turns to try to drop time,” stated coach Ulla Foehr.
Knowing Menlo-Atherton could be one of many harder groups within the league, the Scots entered the meet anticipating an in depth rating.
“I pick a good time that I want, similar to a goal to accomplish, and try reaching it by doing whatever I can,” Ghate stated.
Freshman Reya Peruri swimming breaststroke. She competed within the 50-meter breaststroke, 200-meter freestyle relay, 100-meter breaststroke, and the 400-meter freestyle relay. “Always let go of your nerves before swimming,” Ghate stated.