By Michael DiGiacomo ’18

The girls swim team surpassed expectations by making it all the way to the North Jersey, Section 2, Public C state sectional fina, finishing with a 9-6 record.

Their greatest accomplishment of the season came on Feb. 13, when they defeated Caldwell in the sectional semifinal. Unfortunately they lost the sectional championship to Bernards High School on Feb 15.

Assistant coach Kathleen Turnbull expressed her feelings about the team’s success.

“We hadn’t beaten Caldwell in 17 years,” Turnbull said. “That wasn’t our state championship meet but it felt like it to us. It’s been so long since we had beaten them. To beat them was our state championship meet. Anything after that was an added bonus.”

At the semifinal meet versus Caldwell, senior Andrea Echo finished first in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly and sophomore Isabella Data placed first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle.

The 200 freestyle team of Data, juniors Isabella Valle, Jackie Taylor, and senior Sofia Valle, took first place. The 400 freestyle relay team of senior Emma Bossaert, Data, Echo, and Taylor won the last race that ultimately gave them the victory.

“Our girls this year made a name for themselves and put themselves on the board,” Turnbull said.

“Going into the final meet, I said, as much as I would like you to win for me, I just want you guys to be happy. I’m proud of your season, you’ve done so much. I want them to see this season as a victory for them.”

This year’s team was lead by seven senior captains: Echo, Bossaert, Sarah Falkin, Dory Moss, Katie Barth, Alexis Pero and Sofia Valle.

This group of girls lead the Aqua knights victory over Caldwell in the semifinals. The last time they did this, most of the students were not even born.

“They were just excellent,” Turnball said. “They work really well together. Everything trickles down from our captains to the rest of the team.”

“The team did really well this season, both the girls and the boys, Bossaert said. I’m so happy I was able to have such an amazing season in my senior year. We truly worked hard for it and accomplished so much. We had a great group of swimmers this year and made memories that we will never forget.”