By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—For the second year in the row, the Melrose High girls’ swim team will exists as a co-op with Stoneham and compete as “Stonerose” swim, and they’ve kicked off their season this week on the road at Belmont on Wednesday (post deadline) kicking off a season in which they aim to be competitive in a tough Middlesex League.
Stonerose practices and home meets will be at Medford High. Leading as captains are senior Julia Lannenville and junior Lillian Blenk.
They join a roster that includes: Daniella Blauvelt, Lillian Blenk, Nalia Gomez, Emily Killeen, Julia Lanneville, Isadora Lillis, Olivia Manfredini, Emily Meneses, Anna Pollica, Tierra Pornkittichocharoen, Kathrina Tran and Kate Trenouth.
Stonerose coach Alex Pennachio notes some early strength in events such as butterfly. “Early on, it looks like the Butterfly will be a strong event. Freshman Nalia Gomez will be joining Junior Tierra Pornkittichotchareon and should make a strong core for our butterfly races.”
Gomez, a newcomer, should make waves this fall. “Freshman Nalia Gomez is an exciting addition to our team and will make a big impact in our Butterfly and IM events,” notes the coach.
It’s still early, but relays might also be a strength, as they work with pairings. “Tierra Pornkittichotchareon, Anna Pollica, Nalia Gomez, and Izzy Lillis will make up the 200 and 400 free style relays,” says Pennachio. “And Tierra Pornkittichotchareon, Anna Pollica, Nalia Gomez, and Lillian Blenk will make up the medley relay.”
As Stonerose eyes a long league schedule, the team is working hard to decrease times and angle for post season qualification. Says the coach. “We have a number of athletes and relays that will be close to making the postseason. Returning to the postseason is one of our biggest priorities.”