Depth key for ‘Hounds

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Naugatuck’s Cara Rotatori is one of five captains along with Meghan Lauer, Brianna Searles, Alexandra Silva and Faith Tuscano who will lead the Greyhounds this season.  –FILE PHOTO
Naugatuck’s Cara Rotatori is one of five captains along with Meghan Lauer, Brianna Searles, Alexandra Silva and Faith Tuscano who will lead the Greyhounds this season. –FILE PHOTO

NAUGATUCK — More depth and more options could be the key to more success this season for the Naugy girls swim team.

Naugy just missed out on fourth place at the NVLs last season and finished 2.5 points behind Oxford. With room for improvement and more swimmers, Naugy may have the tools to reach the next tier of the standings.

While last year’s roster was limited to only about 18 girls, this year’s team has 24. That means more possibilities and chances for points.

Head coach Jim McKee can rely on several proven swimmers to put in the lineup. Captains Meghan Lauer, Cara Rotatori, Brianna Searles, Alex Silva and Faith Tuscano give the Greyhounds depth in numerous races, and more importantly, opportunities for points and top finishes.

Rotatori, who made the All-NVL team last year, could be Naugy’s game-changer.

“Cara is probably the top athlete on the team,” McKee said. “She’s close to several all-time best times for our program.”

Senior Amanda Rinaldi, along with juniors as Addison Best, Katie Brown, and Ashley Daymonde, Olivia Filanowski, and sophomore Liz Tuscano will all compete in four events.

The roster this year also features divers — something the team did not have last year. Brown, along with Brin Battista will have a chance in the event and grab the Greyhounds points.

Last week’s NVL indicational meet came earlier than usual, but that proved beneficial for the less experienced swimmers. Even though the ‘Hounds have had less practice time, the feel and experience of a meet will help the development of swimmers, McKee said.

“Some new swimmers were doing around 30 seconds in the 50,” McKee said. “That’s pretty good.”

Naugy will get started with dual meets. The ‘Hounds host Kennedy on Sept. 15 and travel to Watertown on Sept. 18.

Early meets will be key to development.

“Once they see what it’s like to succeed, they will grow in their positions on the team,” McKee said.