Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Senior trio keeps Knights afloat

By STEVE LEE
Published October 5, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Just as they had against unbeaten Mitchell, Emily Fregger, Samantha North and Alicia Montoya helped River Ridge save face against another undefeated team on Monday.

The senior tri-captains, along with Gabriel Denaro, accounted for the Royal Knights' only first-place finishes in a 118-66 loss to Land O'Lakes (7-0).

River Ridge has relied on Fregger, North and Montoya more than in seasons past, in part, due to the 2006 graduation of Times All-Pasco girls swimmer of the year, Stephanie Greene.

"Last year, with Stephanie, we also leaned on them," coach Pat Leonard said. "But they had to pick it up even more because Stephanie was such a power.

"I think they've surprised themselves in how well they've done."

In the dual meet against Land O'Lakes, Fregger (100-yard freestyle, 100 backstroke) and North (200 free, 100 butterfly) each had two wins. And they teamed with Montoya and Denaro to win the 400 free relay.

Sharing the captaincy for the Knights' trio, however, goes beyond their performances at meets. Leonard said Fregger, North and Montoya set the tone in practices by leading the team in stretching exercises, demonstrating proper techniques and emphasizing positive attitudes.

"I expect them to set the example by doing things the correct way," Leonard said.

BETTER AND BETTER: Mitchell's boys team did not win a meet in 2003. Since then, the Mustangs have won more and more each season.

Mitchell (6-0) has matched last year's record-setting win total and, going into Wednesday's tri-meet with Ridgewood and Zephyrhills (results were unavailable at press time), had a chance for three more victories.

The Mustangs close out the regular season on Oct. 11 against Land O'Lakes, which at 7-0 is aiming for a fourth straight unbeaten season.

"I'm looking forward to going into that Land O'Lakes match undefeated," Mitchell coach Wayne Lampe said.

"It'll be the match of the season, and it's a good prelim for the conference."

For the second straight season, Mitchell hosts the SAC meet, which is set for Oct. 13-14 at the Trinity YMCA pool.

As for surpassing last year's win total, Lampe said, "The ones who have been with us for a while I'm sure will appreciate the accomplishment."

[Last modified October 4, 2006, 23:16:29]