Improving Hawks look to make waves at NVLs

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BEACON FALLS — The Woodland girls swim team keeps getting better.

Head coach Mike Magas said every swimmer has produced a personal-best time, and that there could be more to come at the Naugatuck Valley League finals later this week. The Hawks finished the season with a 4-4-1 conference mark and could make some noise at the NVLs throughout the week, with swim finals Saturday at Kennedy High.

“They’re gearing up and getting excited to do another best time,” Magas said on Monday night. “Everyone is willing to learn and get better.”

Senior Brianna Christiano could be in line for several top-10 finishes. She is slated to compete in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 freestyle.

Christiano shaved 7 seconds off her butterfly time and produced her lifetime-best in the 200 free recently. She also will be a part of the medley relay team.

Maria Carranza, another senior, could challenge to school record in the 100 breaststroke. Carranza’s last finish was five-hundredths of a second off the school mark.

“Maria is working hard to qualify for the state championships,” Magas said.

Expect junior Emma Sardinskas to perform well in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle, while freshman Tatiana Lynn has lots of potential for impressive times.

Lynn will focus on the 200 free, 100 backstroke and 400 free relay.

“Tatiana is working real hard in practice,” Magas said. “My gut is telling me she will produce some great times this week at the NVLs.”

The future should be bright for the Hawks, who also showcase other young swimmers such as sophomore Sarah Bryden, the team’s top backstroker.

“Sarah stays after practice to work more,” Magas said. “She’s always asking questions and wants to get better.”

Junior Sara Fowler and sophomore Lauren Lombardo have excelled in the diving event.

“They could both finish in the top six,” Magas said of his diving duo.

Sophomores Chloe Ariola (freestyle sprinter), Erin Mascoli (500 free) and Lisa Thrasher (freestyle sprinter) have also progressed and will compete at the NVLs. Magas said to also watch freshmen Taylor Amore and Veronica Dergachev, who could produce plenty of points in the NVLs for the Hawks.

“The freshmen and sophomores have plugged a lot of holes,” Magas said, referring to swimmers lost to graduation last year. “They have progressed quite nicely.”

Swim trials were held Tuesday night. The diving finals were held Wednesday. Woodland’s Lauren Lombardo took third while Sara Fowler finished fourth. The swim finals are 4 p.m. Saturday at Kennedy.