GMC Champion swim team reaches NJSIAA semifinals

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Junior Emily Hopkins, who took second in the 100M freestyle race, third in the 100M back stroke, and first in two relay races, climbs out of the pool following her warm ups.

BY MATTHEW MANGAM 

Sports Editor 

            The girls swim team entered the NJSIAA Tournament as the number three seed and took down rival East Brunswick 110-60 in the quarterfinals round, finishing first in nine of the eleven races. The Knights fell to the number two seed, Hillsborough, 107-63 in the semifinals.  

            Against East Brunswick, Junior Ashley Chui finished in first place in four races, including the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard fly. She stated the key to the team’s win was everyone swam their best. “The key to the team’s growth this season is the positivity and the support that has been going around,” said Chui.  

            Senior Lia Vendel took first place in three races, including the 100-yard breaststroke and 400-yard free stroke. Vendel said that the team works together to add up the points to win. “Even with swimmers who get the lower places, each swimmer counts and helps us win in the end.” 

            The Knights were missing key contributors against the Bears, including Juniors Hannah Kretkowksi and Sydney Giles, forcing other players to step up to help lead the team to victory. Junior Phylllis Goodridge filled in for the 100 fly, Junior Alyah Diab and Freshman Madelyn Hopkins filled in for the 500 free, while Junior Kaitlyn McGarrey filled in for the 200 free. 

Junior Niyati Saravanakumar, climbs on to the starting block before one of her races. Saravanakumar individually finished first in the 100M backstroke and second in 50M freestyle races and swam in winning groups in two relay races.

            Vendel has had a very successful season, breaking multiple school records, including the 200-yard individual medley with her 2:09.42 finish. “The accomplishments I am most proud of is beating four school records and getting the 100 breast GMC record as well as winning GMCs the second year in a row,” said Vendel.  

            Chui has also broken multiple school records, such as her 24.66 finish in the 50 freestyle and 56.88 finish in the 100 fly. Chui said that she is most proud of her 100 fly at the GMC Tournament because she improved from her best time.  

            The team has had a positive season, winning the GMC Championship, reaching the NJSIAA Tournament semifinals, and breaking multiple school records. 

  • Junior Ashley Chui, who finished first in all four of her races, including individually and relays, prepares to climb out of the pool after finishing her warm ups.
  • Junior Phyllis Goodridge, whose group finished second against East Brunswick in the 200M medley relay, swims the butterfly.
  • Junior Ashley Chui, who finished first in all four of her races, including individuals and relays, works on her backstroke during warm ups.

Posted on 2/18/22

Photos by Tim O’Neill

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