HHS girls primed for big season in pool

Hurley keys solid unit

By: John E. Powers
   
   The Hillsborough High School girls’ swimming team has established itself as a fine program, but one that has achieved its success in the shadow of the Raider boys. This might be the year, however, that the girls make the next step and contend for a Central Public A title.
   With junior Kelsey Hurley returning and a solid group of experienced and newcomers aboard, head coach Todd Sudol is confident this could be a special season. The girls lost 10 swimmers to graduation, but there has been an influx of new talent to the program.
   "I think the girls will surprise a lot of teams," Sudol said. "I think the sectional title is very attainable to us. I just think that with the three newcomers and the swimmers I already have, this could be an outstanding season."
   Last year, the Raiders finished 6-5 for the second straight season, repeating a third place finish in the Skyland Conference and a fourth in the Somerset County championships. The Raiders beat North Brunswick in the sectionals before being eliminated by eventual champion Lawrence.
   Hurley, a National YMCA meet qualifier in the 100 butterfly and backstroke, was a conference champ in the butterfly last year.
   "Kelsey is going to be looking at defending some titles, breaking some records and going to the Meet of Champions" Sudol said. "I will focus my meet lineups around her. We can put her in almost every event."
   The leadership will be provided by three strong senior captains in Lauren Horowitz (distance and IM), Sara Miller (sprints) and Ariel Newman (freestyle, breaststroke). Seniors Krista Murphy and Courtney Palo are experienced freestylers.
   "As far as the seniors, we have five and they will all score and contribute," Sudol said. "I really believe in this group of kids, especially my captains. We are very strong at the top and we have good leadership. That goes a long way in high school sports. We only have 21 kids, but I’m very happy with what we have."
   Juniors Jessica Parker (sprints), Lauren Marchese (IM, butterfly, backstroke) and Carolyn Mehrtens (butterfly, distance) and sophomore Kerri Hamersky (butterfly, distance, IM) round out a strong returning cast.
   "All are big names who scored a lot of points (last year) and had a impact," Sudol said.
   Former Raider star Devon Trabilsy’s sister, Meredith, a freshman, is part of an impressive newcomer group. Sophomore Stephanie Silleck and freshman Ashley Smolinka will be interesting to watch.
   "Stephanie came back to swimming, but once I get her back to prime shape she’ll be a big help for us," Sudol said. "We have a nice group of new girls."
   The Raiders will open the season at the Pingry Invitational Saturday night, then begin their dual meet season Tuesday afternoon at home against East Brunswick. The girls won the Pingry meet last year.
   "We have a very manageable size for a team," Sudol said. "The kids will get individual attention and we won’t have kids sitting on the bench. It’ll be a close group."