East Stroudsburg South’s Luniushina surprises herself

Junior who is new to team, US finishes ninth in backstroke

LEWISBURG — What a way to end her first season.

Kseniia Luniushina, in her first year of swimming for East Stroudsburg South, won the consolation heat of the girls 100-yard backstroke on Saturday at the PIAA Class 3A swimming championships, held in Kinney Natatorium at Bucknell University.

Lumiushina, a junior who came to this country six months ago from Russia, posted a time of 57.04 for ninth place. The finish was a considerable jump from her 16th seed after the preliminaries.

“I’ve been swimming since fifth grade, so swimming isn’t new for me, but this is my first time at this meet,” she said. “It was so exciting and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’m so happy with that swim. I’m so surprised. This is my best time and I’m so excited. I was really surprised to win my heat. Next year I want to come back and hope to get a medal.

“I had a lot of fun here. The best part was hanging out with my friends and fellow swimmers.”

Parkland senior Simone Lin placed 23rd in the 500 freestyle (5:13.56) while freshman Kelsey McPeek was 28th in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.13).

Jillian Kinsgley of Nazareth, a senior, was 30th in the 100 freestyle (54.82). She also led off the 400 freestyle relay for Ava Palochik, Cameron Alvino and Kyle Spengler, which finished 23rd (3:35.65).

For the boys, senior Ryan Beltrane of Parkland was 15th in diving (216.15 points).

Liberty’s Malcolm Collins, a junior, finished 20th in the 100 breaststroke (58.11).

Griffin Messenlehner, a sophomore for Emmaus, was 22nd in the 100 backstroke (53.16).

Whitehall junior Aaron Stinner finished 26th in the 500 yard freestyle (4:45.34).

On Friday, the Nazareth 200 freestyle relay team of Ethan Coffman, Jack Hasker, Ross Ellis and Tyler Tinsley earned the sixth place medal (1:25.71). Coffman was also 16th in the 200 freestyle (1:43.81).

Liberty’s 200 freestyle relay of Daniel Lehr, Malcom Collins, David Gabrielle and Corbin Eisenhardt placed 14th (1:27.12). Collins was also 30th in the 200 individual medley (2:00.17).

Andrew Taylor of Emmaus, a senior, was 25th in the 100 freestyle (47.51).

Saturday’s competition ended too late for this edition.