Season preview: Girls swimming

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Naugatuck

2020 results: 5-3

Graduated: Katelyn Fortney, Belle Jason, Abby Shugdinis

Seniors: Jacqueline Uva (captain) Haley Deller (captain), Kelly Brodeur, (captain) Alena Rotatori (captain), Kayla Bartlett, Emily Meyer, Shayla Shaw

Season opener: Sept. 17 at Watertown

Naugy has lacked the depth needed the past few years to get to the top of an always competitive NVL.

This season, coach Jim McKee has a strong senior class leading a deeper roster that includes juniors Letiecia DoNascimento, Ayana Williams, Lauren Litke and Davinty Smallwood. McKee is also optimistic about what the athleticism of freshmen Emily Casek, Lilly Jason and Sydney Connolly can provide the team.

“Our girls are starting to believe that they can compete with these top teams in the league,” McKee said. “That’s half the battle. Right now, we are working to get four girls in every event, and this year we have the depth to do that. We are seriously in the hunt, and it’s important that we know that.”

“We have three incoming freshmen that will all compete in four events,” he added. “We are excited about that. We still have a lot of work to do, but very optimistic about our chances and looking forward for the season to start.”

Woodland

2020 results: 5-3

Graduated: Emily Beyer, Spenser Burkowsky, Ainsley Clark, Samantha Erickson, Kayleigh Huk, Meghan Letourneau, Taylor Muharem, Emily Rindos, Taylor Wasilewski

Seniors: Kayla Behrle, Shaelin DiGioia, Adrianna Heeman, Brooke Reilly, Kayleigh Theroux

Season opener: Sept. 10 vs. Jonathan Law

Woodland has won the NVL championship twice in the last three years and show no signs of slowing down.

The Hawks look strong heading into the season with five seniors and a host of underclassmen who made a name for themselves last year.

Juniors Ella Bernegger, Maura Beltrami, Molly Kennedy, Sarah Cooley and Mia Sansone bring experience and depth along with last year’s surprise record-breaker Emme Starzman, a sophomore.

Coach Mike Magas is also high on freshmen Laura DeGennaro, Josie Nesta, Molly Stead and Madison Hart.

“We have 30 girls, one of the largest teams in the league,” Magas said. “We have a lot of talent coming back and these girls are looking forward to competing. We also have some freshmen who are going to score some points for us.”