Bentley/Head-Royce Meet Recap

Written by Chelsea (soph)

    As the sun rose above the horizon, the College Prep Swim Team prepared to trek through the day.  For six hours they hiked through the CPS campus, until their journey finally led them to the Mills College Pool. There they were met by Jack Latham, Matt Katz, Godwin, and several students, all eager to show their support. After abruptly changing into their swimming attire and leaving the hiking boots on the sidelines, it became clear that College Prep was ready to face both Head Royce and Bentley.

    The boys’ team was looking at two chances for victory. Brett was back for his first meet in several weeks, but his times made us wonder if he was ever really gone. He swam a great 100 Breast (1:15.5) and a killer split in the 200 Medley relay. Jon had a fantastic meet. He won both the 500 (5:57.9) and the 200 Free (2:11.8). Adarsha swam a solid 100 Free and a speedy 50 Free. Grant swam a wonderful 100 Free (57.4) and an amazing 50 free split in the 200 medley (25.1). Ryan won the 100 back (1:05.5) and swam wonderfully in both relays. The boys 200 medley took 2nd overall and their 400 Free Relay took 1st, finishing the meet on a great note. The final scores on the boys’ side: 68-10 vs Head Royce and 52-60 vs Bentley.

    The girls came into the meet looking for two victories. Coach Tran decided to make this an even greater challenge by placing many of the swimmers in “off” events. Alice won the 200 Free (2:08.29) and Sterling won the 200 IM in the next event (2:08.29).  Carol swam one of her best 50 freestyles of the season, and was neck-in-neck with her opponents. Alice and Sara took 1st and 3rd in the 100 fly. This was a very close race, which provoked wild cheers from the crowd. Michelle won 1st for the girls in the 500 Free (5:48.2). The Girls’ 200 Free relays took both 1st and 2nd over all (Micaela, Sara, Michelle, Sophie; Sterling, Emily, Julie, Jenny). This earned the team crucial points and was quite a sight to see.  Julie had little time to warm down from her relay before winning the 100 Back (1:11.9).
   
    Finally the Girls 400 Free Relay stepped behind the blocks. The B team won third with commanding speed (Sara, Emily, Cat, Sophie). Our other relay team swam the hardest fought relay I have ever seen at CPS. Michelle kicked it off with a solid split, but Bentley was in the lead after the first leg. Callie dove in and narrowed the gap, putting Julie in position to snatch the lead. Julie entered the water with graceful elegance and passed the Bentley team. As Alice dove in to finish our lead was narrow. The crowd was on their feet, and the CPS girls took first by less than a second in the most nerve-racking race of the meet.
Girls Results: 126-36 vs. Head Royce and 93-68 vs. Bentley. Each girl earned crucial points to acomplish these victories.

Next time you see a swimmer congratulate them. Be they a girl, they were able to extend their winning streak. Be they a boy, they won their first victory of the season.