HSE swimming drops tough dual to North Central

Hamilton Southeastern was swept by North Central in a close dual meet on Thursday.
The girls lost 101-85. The Royals were led by a sweep in diving, with Halli Siwik, Sarah Ballard and Ashley Sinicropi placing 1-2-3. Southeasteran coach Andy Pedersen said the divers performance boosted the team spirit.
Madison Kertin won the individual medley, while Emily Barnes came from behind to take the 50 freestyle. Hannah Pugh was first in the butterfly and second in the backstroke. Kertin and Pugh joined Abby Harter and Bri Saple to win the medley relay.
“We tried to swim a few athletes in some of their non-traditional events as there has been a lot of racing lately,” said Pedersen. “While that made things challenging, this loss came down to sixth places in individual events and fourth places in relays. You simply must get three athletes in the top five and two relays in the top three to win meets against quality opponents like the Panthers.
The HSE boys fell 103-83. Freshman Keegan Streett got the Royals’ lone win in the 500 freestyle.
“There were some really outstanding efforts, but in the end, North Central simply got their hands on the wall just a bit ahead of us too many times,” said Pedersen.
The Christopher brothers, Andrew and Ethan, both had solid performances in the butterfly. Southeastern’s 200 freestyle relay “C” team got third place.
“Hats off to Alex Kaminski, Zack Bostock, Nick Bostock, and Matteo Fontanin for being really solid on a relay that normally would not score,” said Pedersen. “These guys were ready when called upon.”
Southeastern hosts Zionsville next Thursday (Jan. 18) in its Senior Night meet.