MALDEN — The Wakefield girls’ swim team delivered an outstanding performance this past week, taking on powerhouse teams from Winchester and Lexington. Despite competing with only 13 swimmers, the Warriors came incredibly close in both meets, losing by a small margin of points—a testament to their talent and determination.
Standout performances against Winchester on Sept. 25 at the Malden High pool included Allie DeGray capturing first place in the 50 Free (26.29), with teammate Ellie Wagner right behind her in second (27.38). DeGray also narrowly missed first in the 100 Fly, finishing just 0.2 seconds behind a Winchester swimmer (1:04.82).
Carolyn Cote earned a decisive win in the 100 Free (1:00.24) and a second-place finish in the 100 back (1:08.95), while Lucy Wagner showcased her versatility with second-place finishes in the 200 IM (2:35.34) and the 100 Breast (1:20.02).
Daphne Mogan (2nd, 200 Free, 2:22.28) and Angie Martinez (3rd, 200 Free, 2:27.74) also made strong contributions.
The Warriors’ performance in endurance events was impressive as well, with Ellie Wagner winning the 500 Free (5:57.77) and Angie Martinez taking third (6:31.23). Relays were another highlight, as the 200 Free Relay team of McGourty, Mogan, Kyla Wadland and Lucy Wagner touched second (1:59.82), while the 400 Free Relay squad of McGourty, Cote, Wagner and DeGray captured first place (4:11.30).
Molly Preston was also terrific for the Warriors, lighting up the pool in the 50 free, dropping seconds off her personal best and finishing with a time that had the entire pool roaring. Her performance not only showed her hard work and dedication paying off, but also gave the team a huge surge of energy and momentum that carried through the rest of the meet.
Coach Tash Brown praised the team’s effort, saying, “Overall, we did super well. We went against big teams and came out with the best times, some great heat placements, and some new sectional and state cut-offs. The energy and cheering were amazing, and we put up a great fight.”
With personal bests, relentless energy on deck and a united team spirit, the Wakefield Warriors proved they can hold their own against the biggest and best teams in the Middlesex League.
Their performance sets the stage for an exciting rest of the season. Wakefield travels to Belmont today at 4 p.m. and then to Arlington on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.