Austin Prep Wraps Up Stellar Swim Season

Photo: Conference MVP Alessandra Petrozza swimming in the 100 yard fly at the state meet.

Photo and article submitted by John Petrozza

With temperatures in the single digits, the Austin Prep women’s state qualifiers arrived at the MIT Zesiger Athletic Center wrapped in layers but ready to show the world that they were ready to swim.

Still celebrating from winning the Catholic Central Conference Championship, and having a strong showing at the MIAA Women¹s North Sectional, the team had been practicing most mornings at the Burbank YMCA under the guidance of first year coach Lianne Nihan.

The 200-yard medley relay gave a strong performance, as did the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays, but this year’s competition was one of the strongest in years, with perennial favorites Wayland, Weston and Marblehead showing their quickness and depth in all races.

Meghan Bodette was powerful in her 200-yard individual medley, racing at the top of her heat. Alessandra Petrozza, the MVP of the Catholic Central Conference, raced a sub-minute 100-yard fly (59.30), and Austin Prep was able to get
on the scoreboard with 15 points, as Petrozza got to the podium with a fourth-place finish.

In the 500-yard freestyle, Petrozza met some stiff competition, but was able to get to the podium with a sixth place finish (5:14.66) and another 13 points for the team.

Olivia Lloyd gave a stellar performance in the 100-yard backstroke, while Lauren Kass showed some grit and determination as she swam her heart out in the 100-yard breaststroke. The team finished with 28 points and in 21st place.

Considering that there were over 36 teams in the competition, this was a wonderful conclusion to the 2015 swim season for Austin Prep!