Taconic Swimmers Open Season at Mount Anthony

BENNINGTON, Vt. -- The Taconic boys swimming team won five of the seven contested events in Friday's season-opening dual meet at Mount Anthony.

 

But Taconic could not overcome Mount Anthony's strength in numbers as the host Patriots took a 65-53 win at the Bennington Recreation Center.

 

Kyle Rochelo won two events and swam on two victorious relays for the visitors.

 

In the girls meet, three different Mount Anthony swimmers were double winners in individual events as the Patriots earned a 106-63 victory.

 

On the boys side, it came down to the fact that Mount Anthony competed in all but one event while Taconic sat out two. And in the 100-yard breast stroke, Taconic's Gabriel Carrington won but the team had fewer points because he was the only swimmer in the race, allowing the Pats to claim second and third.

 

"I saw a great, cohesive group of boys who may be small with four, but they really work together," Taconic coach Marisa Plant said. "They really cheer each other on and work well as a team.

 

"When they're in there, they're really competitive, and they really give it their all."

 

Rochelo won the 200 freestyle in 2 minutes, 13.4 seconds, and the 100 free in :57.5. Austin White and Gabriel Carrington earned a win apiece, in the 500 free (6:49.9) and 100 breast stroke (1:28.2), respectively.

 

Those three teamed with Tyler Killbary to win the 200 free relay (1:58.3) and the 400 free relay (4:23.8).

 

Kevin Gorry was a double-winner for Mount Anthony, taking the 200 individual medley (2:43.3) and the 100 backstroke (1:22.8).

 

Mount Anthony's girls were led by the trio of Shaana Staab, Bridget Ahearn and Jena Staab, who won two individual events apiece.

 

Shaana Staab won he 200 free (2:33.7) and 500 free (6:58.7). Ahearn won the 50 free (:27.2) an the 100 free (1:03.6). Jena Staab won the 100 butterfly (1:17.7) and 100 back (1:16.7).

 

Taconic's girls did not pick up a victory but finished second in all but two events, the 200 IM and the 200 free relay.

 

"It was getting back, getting the kinks out," Plant said. "We had a lot of good swims, some new swimmers who really stepped up.

 

"They all did what I thought they would do. I saw some things to improve on, just some little technique things. But I think they're well on their way to having a good season."

 

Olivia Bordeau recorded two second-place finishes for Taconic, in the 200 free (2:35.4) and the 100 back (1:24.0).

 

Taconic hosts Monument Mountain on Monday at the Pittsfield YMCA.