BEACON FALLS — The Woodland girls swim team went into the season boasting a large senior class that’s brimming with experience. After the first two meets, the Hawks have found some newcomers who are looking to make a difference, as well.
Freshmen Molly Kennedy and Maura Beltrami were double winners in the Hawks’ 94-81 win over Naugatuck Tuesday, which followed 105-77 victory at Waterford Sept. 13.
“It was good to come in here for our first NVL meet with already having the experience of one meet behind us,” said Woodland head coach Mike Magas after the Naugatuck meet. “The trip to Waterford really helped us to bond as a team and that chemistry showed in the meet with Naugatuck.”
“Across the board I thought the girls swam great, especially our newcomers, they are really giving us some balance in the lineup,” Magas added.
Woodland (2-0) took the early lead against Naugatuck as Alexandra Rojcov, Morgan Swift, Terrell Camille and Kyla Behrle won the 200 medley relay in 2 minutes, 4.1 seconds.
Beltrami and Kennedy stepped up for the Hawks. Beltrami won the 200 freestyle (2:13.71) and Kennedy edged out a win in the 50 freestyle (27.51).
Behrle took first in the 200 IM (2:28.74). Woodland’s diving squad of Kayleigh Theroux (180.45), Shaelin DiGioia (172.90) and Ella Bernegger (158.75) — the only divers to compete at the meet — added to the Hawks’ lead.
“Naugatuck is a well-coached team,” Magas said. “We knew coming in they would present a challenge for us. We had to be mentally and physically prepared to do our best against them.”
Rojcov won the 100 fly (1:01.40). After Kennedy pulled off her second win of the meet by taking first in the 100 freestyle (1:01.46), Beltrami picked up her second victory, winning in the 500 freestyle (6:05.75).
The 200 freestyle foursome of Swift, Camille, Kennedy and Beltrami finished off the Greyhounds, winning the event in 1:53.94.
“We can’t be satisfied,” Magas said. “We need to continue to push to get better. We are going to work even harder in practice with no letup.”
Woodland will face Watertown Friday and St. Paul Tuesday.
