Big Red overcomes Pennridge in double dual meet
Ferlick a big winner for Souderton
EAST ROCKHILL » Souderton Area went hard to the wall and overcame an inspired effort by rival Pennridge on Thursday night.
“It was pretty good. It’s early in the season and I feel like we’re still getting into it, but I feel like we’ll get better, stronger and faster,” Big Red’s Robbie Ferlick said.
Ferlick was a double winner in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 free, and also anchored the 200 free relay home to victory, leading the Indians to a 100-75 victory over Pennridge in a Suburban One League Colonial Division battle. That completed a sweep for Big Red, with the girls having earned a 104-77 win over the Rams in the first half of the doubleheader.
“I think everybody’s adjusting expectations lately based on the training that they have or haven’t had, so I think our times were encouraging today — both boys and girls,” said Big Red coach Lou Williams, who has guided both squads to 2-0 starts after the shutdown. “The way that the boys swam, I’m super proud.”
Ferlick touched in 22.38 seconds in the 50 free and then got back in the pool not long after to win the 100 free in 50.53.
“I’m trying to hold 21’s (in the 50 free) and by the end of the
year get under 21,” Ferlick said of the 50.
More wins came in the 500 free, thanks to Kristian Stanczewski, and on the diving board, with Alex Martin pulling through.
Each meet was held separately, with the diving in between, and the stands were basically empty due to social distancing guidelines. It was certainly a different feel for both teams, but a good night nonetheless.
“Our goal was that they were getting the team experience,” Williams said. “The swimming side will come, but we’re just happy to be here and be able to compete.”
Amy Masciulli won both the 100 fly and the 500 free to lead the Big Red girls on their way.
Ally Ricciardi had herself a day for the Rams. Usually a freestyler and backstroker, she tried the 200 IM and came through with a first place, and a 2:19.43.
“She might be doing a little bit more IM at practices,” coach Jacob Grant said with a smile. “It was really cool to see.”
Pennridge has 20 girls on the team this winter, and Ricciardi is one of nine freshmen.
“She’s kind of leading the charge for the younger girls,” Grant said. “She practices in our fastest lane with a couple of our older girls.”
Lauren Scott won the 100 free for Pennridge with a nice time of 57.83.
For the Pennridge boys, meanwhile, Greg Bashaar was a double winner in the 200 IM and the 100 back, and he also led off the winning 200 medley relay. Joseph Hong took care of the 100 fly and 200 free for the Rams and he also led off the winning 400 free relay.
“Every single boy that got in that pool today used it as an opportunity,” coach Jenna Anselmo said. “It’s so good to be back. The boys stepped up to the challenge today. They went in. They were all in. They really went for it. I love that they come with goals. That’s really what we’re focusing on this year.”