Big day for Souderton seniors in wins over Pennridge
FRANCONIA >> There are a lot of similarities between Souderton and Pennridge, and even some crossover: senior Hannah Christie swims for Big Red as well as the Pennridge Aquatic Club.
Going against one of their closest rivals, there was no better way for Souderton to celebrate its Senior Night on Tuesday.
“We love Pennridge. We border their team, swim against them in the summer,” Indians coach Lou Williams said. “We’re very friendly with their coaches and a lot of their kids. We really enjoy this meet every year.”
Souderton, looking especially impressive in the medley and free relays, pulled away to victories on both sides, as the Big Red boys won 100-80 and the Souderton girls prevailed 101-74 over the Rams.
“We’re in that awkward phase where we’re approaching the end of the season and practices are starting to come down a little bit, to get ready for the end, so we’re not feeling a hundred percent,” said Big Red senior Erik Moyer. “It can be a drag, but we’re all friends, hanging out together and having a good time.”
Big Red pushed through and came out with wins in the 200-yard medley relay: Ellie Hiestand, Kayla Pike, Abby Burns and Frankie Ferlick teamed up for the girls (1:52.37) and Austin Graham, William Leyland, Matt Masciulli and Moyer got it done for the boys (1:43.92).
“I always like to start the meet with fast medleys, just to set the tone for the meet,” Williams said. “We had a lot of our older, more experienced swimmers swim three relays today to make that a focus.
“We’re looking good,” Williams said. “We’re starting to come around. The holidays are over. The kids are a little beat up but we’re starting to focus on Champs.”
Moyer, Leyland, Masciulli and Graham were all honored on Senior Night for the Big Red boys while Christie, Hailey Freed, Courtney Ahart and diver Grace McKeone were the senior girls being honored.
“We have really great seniors this year,” Williams said. “Our four boys all swim for me in the summer. They’re really responsible young athletes, just awesome kids.
“On the girls side are great girls and real leaders on the team.”
Lauren Scott gave the Rams an early win in the 200 free as Pennridge battled through the fatigue.
“Hopefully bounce back a little bit next week — Senior Night against CB East,” Rams coach Jacob Grant said.
Sean Whitehurst and Brett Musselman went one and two in the 100 fly for a tired but determined Pennridge group.
“This is midterms week so the kids are mentally on top of physically drained, and just seeing them be able to come out and perform against kids that they know is great,” Rams coach Jenna Anselmo said. “It’s such a friendly rivalry we have here with Souderton.”
Joseph Hong capped things off for Pennridge by breaking the pool record in the 100 breaststroke with a 58.35.
“It’s great to have him back. He was down in Tennessee last week trying to get his Olympic Trial cuts so it’s always great to have him back on the team,” Anselmo said. “He brings a morale boost for the guys.”
Boys Swimming
Souderton 100, Pennridge 80
200 medley relay: Souderton (Austin Graham, William Leyland, Matt Masciulli, Erik Moyer), 1:43.92; 200 free: Moyer (S) 1:53.95; 200 IM: Joseph Hong (P) 1:59.54; 50 free: Robbie Ferlick (S) 22.57; Diving: Alex Martin (S) 248.35; 100 fly: Sean Whitehurst (P) 58.39; 100 free: Ferlick (S) 50.18; 500 free: Masciulli (S) 5:07.86; 200 free relay: Souderton (Drew Stephens, Moyer, Graham, Ferlick), 1:32.80; 100 back: Brien Yaglenski (S) 58.41; 100 breast: Joseph Hong (P) 58.35.
Girls Swimming
Souderton 101, Pennridge 74
200 medley relay: Souderton (Ellie Hiestand, Kayla Pike, Abby Burns, Frankie Ferlick), 1:52.37; 200 free: Lauren Scott (P) 2:03.61; 200 IM: Anna Goodman (S) 2:21.20; 50 free: Jordyn Grossman (S) 25.40; Diving: Maili Smith (S) 186.0; 100 fly: Amy Masciulli (S) 1:03.58; 100 free: Frankie Ferlick (S) 54.94; 500 free: Abby Burns (S) 5:39.02; 200 free relay: Souderton (Jordyn Grossman, Kayla Pike, Frankie Ferlick, Abby Burns), 1:43.41; 100 back: Hannah Sayre (P) 1:11.76; 100 breast: Emily Myers (P) 1:!4.48; 400 free relay: Pennridge (Hannah Sayre, Mallory Blannett, Olivia Embert, Lea Preston), 4:22.96.
