MONROE, CT — The postseason is off to a terrific start for the Masuk girls swimming and diving team. The Panthers competed in the South-West Conference Championships November 1 and 5 — diving was held at New Fairfield High on Nov. 1 with the swim events at Masuk’s pool four days later.
The Panthers finished with 186 points and earned sixth place among 11 schools.
In diving, all four of Masuk’s competitors scored points:
Carly Jordan (sophomore) 3rd overall with a score of 359.55 (her highest score)
Kate Wittenauer (senior) 5th overall with 336.60Carrie Wittenauer (senior) 11th overall with 266.00Siobhan Riordan (sophomore) 16th overall with 233.20 (her highest score)
“Masuk is so proud of these athletes and all that they have accomplished this season,” said Jess Konkol, diving coach for the Panthers.
Jordan and the Wittenauers move on to the state championships this Thursday, Nov. 10 at Middletown high school. Kate Wittenauer is hoping to re-break her own record of 362.95.
“The Masuk divers are excited to compete and ready to finish the year on a high note,” Konkol said.
Masuk swimmers had 20 best times:
200 Medley Relay AEva Helmke in the 50 free and 100 freeSkye Eannotti n the 50 free and 500 freeCecilia MacIntyre in the 50 freeAbby Kirberger in the 100 fly and 500 freeLucia Morales in the 100 free and 100 breastYara Shaik in the 100 free, 50 free and 100 back
Emily Hull in the 100 free
Tierney McGunnigle in the 100 free
200 Free Relay A200 Free Relay BLily Catullo in the 50 freeGrace Sheppard in the 100 back
400 Free Relay B (Tierney McGunnigle, Cecilia MacIntyre, Ruthie Giduthuri, Claire Valle)
Head Coach Emily DeMace and Assistant Coach Tom Horan were pleased with the SWC meet performances.
“The girls lit it up. Tom and I were happy, proud and super impressed with each race,” DeMace said.
Skye Eannotti, Juliette Eaton, Eva Helmke, Lucia Morales and Yara Shaik, along with all of Masuk’s A relays have qualified for the state championships.
State trials are this Friday, Nov. 11 at Southern Connecticut State University and finals are Monday, Nov. 14, also at SCSU.
Helmke is going for the 50 free record and the 100 free record, DeMace said.
“This is the most exciting part of the season. We know the girls train all season long for this and we coach all season long to get to this point. where all their hard work shows and pays off. To see them swim best times and dive their highest scores to make qualifying marks for big championship meets is incredible to watch,” DeMace said.
“We are so happy and proud of them! And the season isn’t over yet. We still have two more big dive meets and three more big swim meets,” added DeMace, referring to class and open state competitions, as well as state swim trials.
