Host Upper Dublin shines at Cardinal Classic
FORT WASHINGTON — For Arina Vorobyeva, the 500-yard freestyle presents something new around every turn.
All 19 of them.
“It’s just a long race and you never know what’s gonna happen,” said a smiling Vorobyeva Saturday afternoon. “It’s always a mystery.”
As this one unfolded, Vorobyeva found herself comfortably out in front. The sophomore pushed to a winning time of 5 minutes, 1.31 seconds, highlighting a terrific performance by host Upper Dublin at the Cardinal Classic.
“I always wanna keep improving but I felt like I’m right there,” said Vorobyeva. “I’ve been on a week-long taper.”
Suburban One League Liberty Division powers Upper Dublin and Hatboro-Horsham had multiple strong swims, providing a nice preview of what lies ahead in their matchup on Jan. 10.
Said Vorobyeva of the season thus far: “Right now, it’s going pretty well. We’re off to a 3-0 start and we have a lot of spirit. The culture is there.”
Prior to her victory in the 500, in which she outlasted Methacton’s WImmer (5:08.47) and Hershey’s Madeline Serfass (5:16.80) for the top spot, Vorobyeva also raced to a first-place finish in the 200 free, touching in 1:51.33.
In a tremendous race, Vorobyeva held off Methacton’s Wimmer (1:51.90) by less than a second, with North Penn’s Madeline Faikish (1:56.53) coming on strong.
Upper Dublin’s afternoon was capped off by a fast race in the 400 free relay, which produced a victory in 3:34.09.
Defending PIAA-3A Champ Hatboro-Horsham continued its charge, led by some familiar faces.
Sarah Parker was fastest in the field in the 50 free (24.33) and the 100 free (53.33), with Kathy Jia outracing everybody in the 200 IM (2:07.17) and Annie Jia powering to a victory in the 100 butterfly (54.15).
The Hatters also celebrated two relay victories, going 1:46.43 in the 200 medley and 1:36.46 in the 200 free.
Both Upper Dublin and Hatboro-Horsham have big meets this week before delving into winter training.
Upper Dublin hosts rival North Penn Monday night at 6 and Hatboro-Horsham hosts rival Souderton Area Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.
Girls Swimming
Cardinal Classic at Upper Dublin
200 medley relay: Hatboro-Horsham, 1:46.43; 200 free: Arina Vorobyeva (UD) 1:51.33; 200 IM: Kathy Jia (HH) 2:07.17; 50 free: Sarah Parker (HH) 24.33; 100 fly: Annie Jia (HH) 54.15; 200 free relay: Hatboro-Horsham, 1:36.46; 100 free: Sarah Parker (HH) 53.33; 500 free: Vorobyeva (UD) 5:01.31; 100 back: Cali Oyerly (Hershey) 57.45; 100 breast: Sydney Stasz (Hershey) 1:05.34; 400 free relay: Upper Dublin, 3:34.09.
