Lady Marines seek big finish

While its 3-4 record doesn’t scream success, Long Beach’s girls’ swim team has made considerable progress this fall and coach John Skudin expects it to contend for the title at next week’s division meet at Nassau Aquatic Center.

“We’ve got a nice combination of upper classmen and underclassmen,” Skudin said. “We’re improved from last year, but so are the teams we’ve gone up against. I feel we’re built better for the division and county meets than dual meets, so we’re looking to finish strong.”

One of 10 seniors on the roster, Cady Zawatson has led the Lady Marines in freestyle events once again. Last Monday in a 98-82 home loss to Bellmore-Merrick, she established a new school record in the 100 free with a time of 55.63. She also holds Long Beach’s all-time marks in the 200 and 500.

“Cady has great technique and strength, and she works extremely hard,” Skudin said of the state qualifier and All-County performer. “She’ll be concentrating on the 200 and 500 down the stretch.”

Zawatson is sifting through Division I college possibilities, with Bucknell and Georgetown at the top of the list, Skudin said. 

Sophomore Kellie Cannon is following in Zawatson’s footsteps as a premier distance swimmer. Cannon earned All-Conference honors and qualified for the states in the 500 and hopes to do so again, Skudin said. “She’s very strong and has a lot of the same qualities as Cady,” Skudin said of Cannon, who completed the 500 in 5:33.70 in a 97-88 loss to Great Neck South on Sept. 26.

Seniors Zoe Papetti and Nicole Morrison lead the Lady Marines in sprints and key the 4 x 200 freestyle relay that often includes Zawatson and Cannon, or versatile junior Jennifer Nash. Papetti’s best time in the 50 free is 26.77, while Nash had a solid 27.18 Oct. 12 in a loss to Garden City.

Morrison is also part of what Skudin said is the team’s strongest event — diving. Sophomore Emma Harris qualified for the state meet a year ago and continues to make strides as the top diver. Junior Hayli Weitz has improved her consistency, and senior Devin Murray’s scores have been on the rise as well.