Our Girl of Mercy swimming checks off main victory vs. South Jersey powerhouse

Girl Mercy is trying to return to championship glory.

After successful a state title throughout the winter of 2022-2023, the Villagers are centered on what they should do to succeed in the highest of New Jersey swimming once more.

For the primary time in historical past, OLMA faces Cherry Hill East, one other prestigious program trying to win championships. On Thursday in Richland, Our Girl of Mercy — ranked No. 14 in NJ.com’s Prime 20 — checked out this meet as a chance to see the place they stand among the many state’s elite.

A win over the Cougars would solidify their standing as respectable contenders transferring ahead, and OLMA did not let the chance slip away.

After 9 wins within the race, Our Girl of Mercy secured a 106-64 victory over sixth-placed Qi to enhance to 2-0.

“Now we have numerous respect for Cherry Hill East. We have wished to swim towards them for a very long time, and it was a very nice expertise to place this entire factor collectively,” OLMA coach Stephen Tucker mentioned. “The ladies wakened right this moment and had been absolutely ready for this meet.”

The Villagers took first and second locations in three occasions, together with a 1-2-3 win within the backstroke, the identical occasion during which they had been swept within the part closing final winter.

Scholar Simone McGlinchey topped the group with a time of 1:01.68, adopted by Nora Sandy (1:02.55) and Abby Kern (1:06.60).

“This was an thrilling encounter,” McGlinchey mentioned. “I felt like our confidence went up dramatically with every passing race. As soon as you are feeling like you’ll be able to win, you begin swimming extra fluidly, however a bit of sooner. The backstroke race was unbelievable and I am completely satisfied to assist my crew,” McGlinchey mentioned.

Simone McGlinchey additionally gained a pair of relays together with her sister Scarlett, a senior and all-state swimmer within the breaststroke.

They took gold within the 200 meters with a time of 1:53.54 alongside Gianna Cook dinner and Gia DeLeonardo. The McGlincheys additionally gained the 400 FR in 3:49.02 with Reece Hetzer and Sandy.

“Swimming alongside my sister in a pace meet like this undoubtedly calms the nerves. It is nice to have her there with me,” Simon McGlinchey mentioned.

Scarlett McGlinchey clocked a clip of 1:08.34 to win the 100 breaststroke, the fifteenth time she has completed first in that race throughout her highschool profession.

She additionally gained the 50 free at 24.54 on Thursday.

Ella Cummins gained the 200-meter freestyle with a time of two:02.51 minutes, whereas Cook dinner gained the silver medal with a time of two:04.34 minutes.

Rhiannon Stanker ran a 5:20.62 win for OLMA within the 500 free, adopted by Cummins in second with a time of 5:22.29. Stanker took the person medley win at 2:11.50 as effectively.

Hetzer, Cook dinner, Cummins and DiLeonardo clocked a clip of 1:45.14 within the 200 free relay to seize the gold medal.

Cherry Hill East (1-2) noticed Megan Triglia take first place within the 100 IM at 1:00.25. Sarah Cohen added a primary place end within the 100 free at 53.93.

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PJ Potter It may be reached at PPotter@njadvancemedia.com.