In first home meet of season, reigning 3-peat Lady Sea Lions conquer waters behind multiple wins by Waldon, Mattison in 90-77 victory over Wayland-Cohocton
By CHRIS BROOKS, wellsvillesports.com
WELLSVILLE — One week removed from a strong debut at Bath-Haverling, the momentum shift would begin for the reigning three-peat Class C Champion Lady Sea Lions of Wellsville on Thursday to close out the week, as they dove into their home waters for the first time with a visit from Wayland-Cohocton.
Right from the start, the Lady Sea Lions wasted no time establishing their presence, as they went on to capture four straight top finishes to open the meet against the Lady Eagles, setting the tone immediately out of the gate and going forward, as they claimed eight total first place times to put towards what was a 90-77 victory.
“It was a good first meet at home. Both teams put in a great shot in front of a lot of fans, and that was great to see,” said Lady Sea Lions coach Steve Hand. “Losing three key seniors in a winning season last year can be tough to replace. So far, the girls are doing a fine job. From seniors on down to the first and second year swimmers, everyone is swimming hard. Kaylee (Oswald) looks strong early on, Hayden (Waldon) is swimming pretty smooth, Morgan (Mattison) has been doing well at the sprints, Ashley (Oswald) scored a new dive tonight. They all keep improving and working hard.”
Morgan Mattison and Hayden Waldon both led the Lady Sea Lions (2-0) with a pair of individual wins each, one in each half of the meet, with Mattison recording her triumphant finishes in the 200 individual medley relay and later in the 100 freestyle, while Waldon medaled with first place wins in the 50 freestyle and in the 500 freestyle.
Wellsville would also come away victorious with two wins in the relay department. Among the competitors — Grace Kinnicutt, who raced a leg in the team’s winning 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, sandwiching a 100 butterfly individual victory in between. Rounding off the victories for the hosts was Kaylee Oswald, who triumphed in the 200 freestyle.
Wayland-Cohocton picked up four first place wins, with Claire Donlon leading the charge off the Diving board. Kailyn Mark (100 backstroke) and Jillian Eddy (100 breaststroke) also had first place finishes while ending the meet with a winning time in the 400 freestyle relay.
The Lady Sea Lions are back in their home waters Tuesday night with a 5 p.m. visit from the Hornell Lady Raiders.
Results
Team Scores: Wellsville 90, Wayland-Cohocton 77.
200 Medley – 1. Wellsville (K. Oswald, Bidzerkowny, Kinnicutt, Waldon) 2:10.52, 2. Wayland-Cohocton, 3. Wellsville.
200 Free – 1. Kaylee Oswald (WLSV) 2:22.14, 2. Jillian McInture (W-C), 3. Lily Miller (WLSV).
200 IMR – 1. Morgan Mattison (WLSV) 2:32.65, 2. Grace Kinnicutt (WLSV), 3. Allie Bidzerkowny (WLSV).
50 Free – 1. Hayden Waldon (WLSV) 27.34, 2. Courtney Goodwin (W-C), 3. Emily Budinger (WLSV).
Diving – 1. Claire Donlon (W-C) 192.07, 2. Ashley Oswald (WLSV).
100 Fly – 1. Grace Kinnicutt (WLSV) 1:10.67, 2. Courtney Goodwin (W-C), 3. Reegan Perkins (WLSV).
100 Free – 1. Morgan Mattison (WLSV) 59.44, 2. Emily Budinger (WLSV), 3. Skylar Richardson (W-C).
500 Free – 1. Hayden Waldon (WLSV) 5:49.55, 2. Megan VanEtten (WLSV), 3. Natalie Williamson (W-C).
200 Relay – 1. Wellsville (Kinnicutt, Budinger, Perkins, Mattison) 1:56.89, 2. Wellsville/Wayland-Cohocton.
100 Back – 1. Kailyn Mark (W-C) 1:24.45, 2. Natalie Quackenbush (W-C).
100 Breaststroke – 1. Jillian Eddy (W-C) 1:32.10, 2. Jillian McInture (W-C), 3. Madelyn Smart (W-C).
400 Free – 1. Wayland-Cohocton (Goodwin, Donlon, Mark, Richardson) 4:32.48, 2. Wayland-Cohocton.
