MONROE, CT — Masuk High’s girls’ swimming and diving team was defeated 96-88 by visiting St. Joseph of Trumbull on Sept. 17, but the Panthers had some standout performances in this closely-contested meet. Abby Kirberger had a pair of first-place finishes, and Eva Helmke won an event.
“It was a very close meet, coming down to the very last event keeping the girls, coaches and spectators cheering in anticipation,” Masuk Coach Emily DeMace said.
The Panthers earned second in the 200 medley relay (Helmke, K. Kirberger, Shaik, Bajorinas) with a time of 2:17.88.
The Panthers won the 200 freestlye (A. Kirberger) with a time of 2:26.97.
Masuk was second n the 200 IM (Shaik) with a time of 2:47.14
In a competitive swim, Masuk placed second in the 50 freestyle (Helmke) with a time of 25.61. Helmke was out-touched by fellow Rapids swimmer Dani Tanaka Sales of St. Joes by .50. DeMace said. This was Helmke’s best time of the season in this race.
Masuk took second (Shaik) and third (Eaton) in the 100 fly with times of 1:16.19 and 1:23.64 — both were best times for the Masuk swimmers.
The Panthers earned third in 100 freestyle (Teixeira) with a time of 1:17.70 and fourth (Bajorinas) with a time of 1:17.95. It was a season-best time for Bajorinas.
The 500 free featured a one-two-three Masuk finish. A. Kirberger was first with a time of 6:30.71. Masuk scored more points with second (K. Kirberger) with a time of 6:52.99 and third (Hull) with a time of 7:45.22. This was Keara Kirberger’s best time of the season.
Masuk placed second in the 200 free relay (Bajorinas, Sicherman, Hull, Teixeira) with a time of 2:17.21.
Helmke won the 100 backstroke in a season-best time of 1:05.51.
The 400 free relay (Shaik, Pallas, K.Kirberger, Helmke) placed second with a time of 4:32.06.
Masuk took on Pomperaug on Sept. 21 and lost 103-72.
“Many of the girls swam in different events tonight to mix it up and get the feel for other events. We expanded our horizons and tried to achieve qualifying times in difference races other than what they’re used to swimming,” DeMace said. “Pomperaug has always been a hard team to beat and probably always will. That did not stop our girls from keeping their heads held high and pushing through the water for some best times.”
Helmke had Masuk’s only first place swim, winning the 100 backstroke in 1:05.89. Helmke also had Masuk’s lone second-place finish, earning runner-up in the 100 free in a time of 59.36.
Joel Barlow visits on Friday, Sept. 24, for a 4 p.m. competition.
