NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck boys swim team is beginning to explore its depth and making waves in the NVL heading into the teeth of the schedule.
The Greyhounds used a total-team approach Jan. 6 to dismantle Crosby/Waterbury Career, 96-64.
“It’s exciting to see the way this team is coming together,” Naugatuck senior Evan Bombery said. “We are all working hard, and you can see this team improving with every practice.”
Naugy stormed out to the lead against Crosby/Waterbury Career by taking first and second in the 200 medley relay. The foursome of James DeBisschop, Zach Alves, Tsering Dnondup and David Green swam to victory. The squad of Bailey Ceryak, Yeshe Rakagme, Sammy Ayash and Matt Raupach finished second.
Matt Goggin (200 freestyle) and Ben Rossi (100 freestyle) showed the kind of leadership that is guiding the Greyhounds to victory, as Eric Cruz racked up a first-place score of 178.80 in diving.
“We have depth in every event,” Naugy head coach Jim McKee said. “We can run four or five deep and we also have three or four divers who can keep us competitive.”
The Greyhounds unleashed some of that depth against Crosby/Waterbury Career, taking the top three spots in the 200 IM. Macie Best swam to victory in 3:02.50 with Matt Triscritti second in 3:02.87 and Dylan Triscritti third.
Another strong finish in the 50 freestyle had Elliot Dupont second, Austin Bartlett third and Donilo Assis fourth. In the 100 butterfly, Alex Manasoiu was first, and Cameron Litwinka was second. Spencer Maher finished first, and Austin Herb was second in the 500 freestyle.
“Not only can we go four deep in any event, we have guys who can be competitive in four different events, and that is what makes us one of the teams that will compete for the league title,” senior Omari Solomon said.
“Our practices have been incredible,” senior P.J. Morrissey added. “Our fourth and fifth guys are pushing the second and third guys to go faster, and you can see the drastic improvement with each practice. It’s exciting to see this season unfold.”
Brandon Thomas, Nelson Lavoura, Victor Cardoso and Elizabeth Kroos took part in the Naugatuck relays further adding to the team’s overall depth. Alexio Valente finished third in the 100 breaststroke with Joseph Rafala placing fourth. Jeremy Raupach placed fifth in the 200 freestyle.
“Going into the new year we are not focused on winning events. We are more focused on improving our times with each meet,” senior Robert Spino said. “So when we go up against Holy Cross, Sacred Heart and all the other top contenders, we will be at our best.”
Naugatuck will visit Wilby on Thursday and host Woodland on Jan. 17.
