The West Haven High School girls swim team had a much improved and successful season competing in the dual swim meets where they improved to 2-8-2 behind the leadership of senior captains Anya Celmer and Nicole Gaston, and senior Daniela Morales.
Much of the success was attributable to a young team that is rebuilding with a strong group of hopefuls prepared to add to future personal achievements and swim team wins. The Blue Devils loses were by the slightest of margins decided by a single event in most cases. Another highlight is the addition of a new diving coach Pat Simon and divers for the first time in three years.
The Blue Devils went on to the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Championship in the post-season, where they proved they were able to compete at the next level in both individual and relay events. The swimmers competing at SCSU Hutchinson Natatorium were Victoria Acuna, Anya Celmer, McKenna Driver, Kaelyn Falanga, Morgan Falanga, Madison Hobart, Alana Orecchio.
The post-season was even better for the Blue Devils competing at the state class LL division qualifying in East Hartford, and championship meet at SCSU.
The relay teams improved to finish one place above their seed placement in the 200 yard medley relay (2:01.37), 200 yard free style relay (1:45.20), and 400 yard free style relay (4:04.94), and the two individual stand outs were Anya Celmer competing in the 50 yard free-style (26.46) at the qualifying meet, and who also set new West Haven records at the championship meet in the 100 yard backstroke (1:00.97), and Kaelyn Falanga competed in the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle at the qualifying meet.
“I am very proud of the hard work the girls put in at the pool this year. We get stronger every year and our future looks bright,” Coach Robin Viani said.