Swimmers earn split with OA in exciting division battle

In a highly anticipated showdown that would likely decide this year’s Davenport Division winner, the Canton High girls swim team came oh so close to knocking off league powerhouse Oliver Ames last week, losing 86-84 to snap their season-long unbeaten streak.

The Canton boys, meanwhile, did manage to out-duel the Tigers and remain in contention for the division title with a record of 3-1.

While the meets are being held virtually this year due to COVID restrictions, head coach Cheryl Cavanaugh said she was on the edge of her seat tallying up the times and scores after both teams swam individually last Wednesday at their respective home pools.

“It was still very exciting and it was such a good meet,” said Cavanaugh. “I just wish we got to compete with them in person.”

In the girls’ competition, the Bulldogs found themselves trailing after the first several events, but they mounted a furious comeback in the back half of the meet and had a chance to win going into the final relay. Shauna Harney paced the squad with victories in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke, while sister Keeley scored a win in the 500 free. Jessie Hart added a first- and second-place finish in the breaststroke and 200IM, respectively, and she was also part of two winning relays along with Maddie Rousseau and the Harney sisters.

Other place-winners for the Canton girls included Rousseau and Tema Mazonson, who finished second and third in the 100 freestyle; Madilyn McInnis, who placed third in the breaststroke; and Corinne Campbell, who took third in the 200 freestyle. Keeley Harney also added a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly.

In the boys team’s 81-72 victory over the Tigers, Javier Ferstler recorded wins in both the 50 free and backstroke and took second in the 400 free relay along with Ethan Nguyen, Eric Pham and Talis Veidis. Nguyen had a great overall meet himself, placing second in the 100 free with a personal-best time and finishing third in the 200 free.

Other standouts for the Canton boys included Huy Hong, who placed second in both the 200IM and 500 free, and Veidis, who took second in the 200 free and breaststroke. Pham (50 free), Gio Ruggeri (100 fly) and Hunter Rice (100 back) also had runner-up finishes while Ryan Mullen took third in both the 500 free and breaststroke.

With both squads now at 3-1 overall, Canton will look to finish strong with a season-ending meet scheduled for tomorrow against Foxboro. The Bulldogs will then turn their attention to the league championship meet with virtual competition days set for next Thursday and Friday at Blue Hills.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Feb 5 2021. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.