Records fall, wins mount for Hawks

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Woodland’s Taylor Amore does the breaststroke during the 200 medley relay against St. Paul Oct. 14 in Beacon Falls. Woodland won the meet, 88-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Woodland’s Taylor Amore does the breaststroke during the 200 medley relay against St. Paul Oct. 14 in Beacon Falls. Woodland won the meet, 88-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

BEACON FALLS — Records are falling at Woodland, and it’s translating into an increasing number of victories.

Junior Dia Gawronski shattered the school record in the 200 IM and the Hawks defeated St. Paul, 88-78, Oct. 14 for their fifth straight win. Her time of 2:15.04 set the new mark and helped pace Woodland.

It was the fourth record Gawronski, a transfer student, has broken this season.

“Dia is someone who gives 110 percent regardless of the situation,” Woodland head coach Mike Magas said. “Her leadership and swimming skills have helped to really bolster our lineup.”

Gawronski was a part of three winning events against St. Paul, and the Hawks swam to victories in the first three events.

Woodland opened the meet by winning the 200 medley relay with Kyla Drewry, Taylor Amore, Gawronski and Tatianna Lynn in 2:09.65. Brooke Pope won the 200 free before Gawronski dominated the 200 IM.

Magas said the experienced team members have helped set the tone.

“The swimmers that have returned from last year have improved their practice and workout mindset, which has translated into lower times for them,” Magas said. “Returners such as Tatianna Lynn, Taylor Amore, Brooke Pope, Kyla Drewry, Jordan Williams and others have helped lead the team.”

For the Woodland girls swim team, there’s strength in numbers. And the numbers have led to an 9-2 start for the team.

“We’ve benefitted from a good sized freshman class which includes talented athletes such as Morgan Swift, Aly Rojcov, Casey Brooks, and Camille Terrell,” Magas added.

Rojcov joined Williams, Amore and Drewry to win the 200 medley relay in a win over Torrington last week. Later in the meet, Brooks and Rojcov were part of the 400 free relay winning time to close out the night.

The Hawks have also received a lift in the diving event. Maddie Hoxie and Julianna Bartolucci have won recent events.

 

Woodland’s Brooke Pope competes in the 200 freestyle against St. Paul Oct. 14 in Beacon Falls. Woodland won the meet, 88-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Woodland’s Brooke Pope competes in the 200 freestyle against St. Paul Oct. 14 in Beacon Falls. Woodland won the meet, 88-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

“Our two divers, Maddie Hoxie and Julianna Bartolucci, have made marked improvements since last season,” Magas said.

Hoxie won the diving event against St. Paul with a score 180.20.  Last week against Wilby and Kaynor Tech, Bartolucci took the highest score.

The Hawks extended their win streak to six with a 100-83 victory over Oxford on Tuesday. Gawronski picked up wins in the 50 freestyle (25.62) and 100 freestyle (56.68). Pope swam to first in the 100 butterfly (1:12.47) and 200 IM (2:39.20).

Factor in an impressive transfer student, talented returners, improved divers and solid first-year swimmers, Woodland is in the mix for an NVL title.

“As far as our season goes it’s really been a combination of a few things,” Magas said. “All in all this had been a fun and wonderful group of young ladies to be around and it has made for an enjoyable season with more excitement to come.”

The Hawks will look to close out the regular season with a win on Friday in a meet against Kennedy.