Villa Maria Academy swimmers, divers sparkle in victory against VJM

Malvern >> The Villa Maria Academy swimming and diving team (4-2 overall, 3-1 AACA) displayed its depth of talent — particularly in diving — during its 104-75 win against Villa Joseph Marie Saturday at Malvern Prep.
Leading the way for the Hurricanes was sophomore Keriann Collison, who won both the 50 free (26.79) and 100 free (58.61) with District 1 2A consideration times, and senior diver Mary Cate Doughty, who compiled 236.70 points.
Five Villa Maria Academy divers exceeded the District 1 2A consideration mark of 150.00 Saturday – Doughty, Kaleigh Wagner (201.83, exhibition), Charlotte Bohnenberger (188.48), Sophie Mesiarik (173.85, exhibition) and Emma Wagner (170.10).
“Our diving has been very strong this season,” said Villa Maria swimming head coach Fritz Schumann. “We actually have eight girls already qualified (achieved district consideration) in diving, and they have to compete against each other to figure out who gets the four spots (at Districts) from Villa Maria.
“It’s unprecedented that we’ve had this strong of a diving team. Michelle Marnie is our new diving coach this year, our divers love her, and she’s doing a great job.”
Doughty, who qualified last year for Districts, said, “I feel like I did pretty good today – I was really happy with my performance, and I think the whole team dove well.”
Collison already had posted district consideration times in both the 50 free and 100 free earlier this season. Last winter, she competed at States in the 100 free, 200 free relay and 400 free relay.
“Keriann is the strongest swimmer we have this year,” said Schumann. “She’s doing a great job, and is also good in the 100 fly. For Districts, we’re hoping to get her in either the 50 free and 100 free, or the 100 fly and 100 free – probably one of those two combinations.”
Villa Maria freshman Natalie Ade swam an exciting, neck-and-neck race to win the 100 fly (1:09.02), making the district consideration time for the first time in that event, and finishing first by a tenth of a second.
The Villa Maria quartet of Graciella Schofield, Riley Meriwether, Ade and Riley Mulhern won the 200 medley relay with a district consideration time of 2:07.16; the foursome of Schofield, Brinley Beck, Mulhern and Collison won the 200 free relay with a district consideration time of 1:51.98; and the quartet of Beck, sophomore Ainsley Ingram, Ade and Collison posted a district consideration time (4:05.47, exhibition) for the first time in the 400 free relay.
Ingram posted a district consideration time (1:00.39) with her second-place finish in the 100 free, and Meriwether posted an exhibition clocking of 1:20.86 in the 100 breast.
The Hurricanes were facing a Villa Joseph Marie squad that has been increasing its depth of talent.
“We have 30 swimmers this season; last winter we had 18,” said VJM fourth-year head coach Rachel Heuckroth. “When I first started coaching the team, we only had six girls. This season, we have six new freshmen, a couple of new sophomores, two new juniors and even a couple of new seniors who wanted to give it a go this year (smiles).”
Villa Joseph Marie junior Maddie Sarachman won the 200 free (2:09.94) and 500 free (5:47.92), posting district consideration times in both events.
Heuckroth said, “Maddie has been one of our top swimmers this season, and we’re hoping to get to Districts with her in the 200 free and 500 free.”
VJM sophomore Siena Webb finished first in the 200 IM with a district consideration time of 2:31.97, and finished second in the 100 fly with a district consideration time of 1:09.12.
NOTES: Prior to Saturday’s meet at Malvern Prep, the National Anthem was sung by Villa Maria Academy swimmer Lucy Figg.

At Saturday’s meet Schumann mentioned the Hurricanes’ tribute to former long-time swimming head coach Cathy Hay Jan. 14 at their tri-meet against Mount Saint Joseph and Merion Mercy Academy. Hay, who retired last year after a long and successful coaching career at Villa Maria, was presented with a memory book of comments from her former swimmers. The event was called Mrs. Hay Day.
“Cathy came over from Cape May, and we had a reception for her,” said Schumann. “Many of her former swimmers, including state champions, came to say hello. We had more than 100 people there. She left a big mark here – 18 straight district titles, and eight straight state titles. She still keeps in touch with many of her swimmers.”

Villa Maria Academy 104, Villa Joseph Marie 75
200 Medley Relay: Villa Maria Academy (Graciella Schofield, Riley Meriwether, Natalie Ade, Riley Mulhern), 2:07.16
200 Free: Maddie Sarachman, VJM, 2:09.94
200 IM: Siena Webb, VJM, 2:31.97
50 Free: Keriann Collison, VMA, 26.79
1 Meter Diving: Mary Cate Doughty, VMA, 236.70
100 Fly: Natalie Ade, VMA, 1:09.02
100 Free: Keriann Collison, VMA, 58.61
500 Free: Maddie Sarachman, VJM, 5:47.92
200 Free Relay: Villa Maria Academy (Graciella Schofield, Brinley Beck, Riley Mulhern, Keriann Collison), 1:51.98
100 Back: Abigail Turco, VJM, 1:18.22
100 Breast: Olivia Perri, VJM, 1:27.67
400 Free Relay: Villa Joseph Marie (Siena Webb, Annalise Carlson, Cienna Turco, Maddie Sarachman), 4:32.68