Rockets Swim Team Remains Undefeated

So many things have to go right for a team that relies on individual performances to remain unbeaten, but so far the Needham swimming and diving team seems to have that all figured out.

The Rockets improved to 5-0 Tuesday with a 100-80 win over Norwood at their home pool at Babson College.

"We had some great swims," said Needham coach Paul Hession.

Needham swimmers were top finishers in nearly every race, while the divers took first and second place in their event. Senior captain Becca Lassman finished with a score of 162.70, second only to her sophomore teammate Maria Smirnov's 179.65.

"We had great scores from our two divers tonight," said Hession. "They both have qualified for sectionals with those scores."

Also adding to the Rockets' list of qualifications were senior Alyssa Bezreh and sophomore Sydney Dixon in the 100 butterfly.

"We had two state qualifiers in the 100 butterfly," said Hession.

The 500-yard freestyle race was one of the best of the night, as the Rockets took three of the top four spots when senior Terry Mullen was able to come back and narrowly beat a nearby opponent for fourth place.

"Terry Mullen had a great race in the 500 freestyle," said Hession. "She touched out a Norwood swimmer."

Sarah DiNatale racked up points for Needham, winning the 500-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke, which also featured a very strong performance by junior Jess Wong.

"Jess Wong had a personal best time in the 100 backstroke," said Hession.

Relays have been a strength of the Rockets this season and Tuesday was no different as the home team was dominant in the 200-yard medley, 200-yard freestyle and 400-yard freestyle relays.

"All the relays were great tonight," said Hession. "They swam very well."

Needham also finished 1-2-3 in the 100-yard breaststroke with great swims from seniors Madison Campbell and Katherine Timmerman and sophomore Sarah Mutter.

"All three breaststrokers swam well," said assistant coach Rachel Waldstein.

The perfect record will be put to the test in the coming weeks as the Rockets seek revenge against teams who tarnished their record last year.

"We have a couple tough meets coming up against Natick who beat us last year and Walpole who we tied," said Hession. "We're looking forward to those meets."