By: Chaivin Moon
The intercom at Bentley University started to announce the placement of each team, which numbered up from 8th place. Belmont was expected to come in 3rd at the league meet, yet when their name wasn’t called for the 3rd place, they knew they had done well enough to come 2nd or 1st. When the runner-up was announced and it wasn’t Belmont, it became clear that Belmont Girls Swim and Dive had won the 2024 Middlesex League Championship Meet for the first time in over ten years.
This season was led to victory by senior captains Sage Lester, Alisa Ficiciyan, Katrina Chen, and Robyn Tonomura-McDonlad, along with coaches Lulu, Rachel, and Meghan. Throughout the season, the team frequently encountered challenges yet worked together to successfully push each other to their maximum performance.
During the fall, the swim and dive team could be seen around school sporting spirited outfits to school during meet days. The team was brought even closer during team dinners. The girls excelled during dual meets, winning 5 out of 7. They raced in out-of-league meets too, going as far as to challenge a swim team from Long Island, New York.
The divers in particular were thrilled to score for the team this year after being told last year that diving wasn't a category that could score points in the Middlesex Swim and Dive League. The swim and dive team enjoyed their final swim meet together, with incredible time drops and support from everyone around them. They considered the league competition as an accomplishment even before officials declared Belmont's victory.
Their success carried into sectionals where they placed 6th place overall and States at Boston University where they placed 3rd place. Many of the swimmers got a medal for being the top 8 swimmers. In addition, senior captain Robyn Tonomura-McDonlad got first place at the League Champion meet, North Sectional Meet, and the State Meet for 1-meter diving. It was overall a memorable season for everyone as a result of the team’s efforts this season and support for one another. The underclassmen and juniors are looking forward to their next season.
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