Princeton High, Lawrence’s Dalton repeat as champs at MCT
WEST WINDSOR >> It was deja vu all over again Saturday at the 2023 girls swimming Mercer County Tournament, as both the defending champion school and the reigning swimmer of the meet took home their titles once again.
Princeton High’s team dominated it’s way to a fourth county title under coach Carly Misiewicz, winning seven of the eleven events en route to a 345 point meet. The Tigers more than doubled second place Pennington.
“It’s very exciting. I’m very lucky to have the group of girls (and guys) that I have,” Misiewicz said. “They’re such a great group of kids. Their energy is amazing.”
That energy was palpable from the first event of the meet, the 200 meter medley relay. Princeton had the best time during prelims on Friday night, but were met with a serious challenger in Robbinsville.
The Tigers and Ravens virtually ran this one neck and neck, with Princeton pulling away late to capture the victory and start its title defense on the offensive.
It was evident following the win that both the girls and boys teams for Princeton grasped some newfound confidence and swagger. Having both come into the tournament as defending champions, each team knew it had a target on its back.
“Watching the girls come from behind to win the medley relay set the tone for both teams,” Misiewicz said. “They feed of each other. I think we perform so much better when we’re here as a team.”
Lawrence’s Emerson Dalton continued her distinguished career with another impressive showing in her two individual events, winning both the 200 meter and 400 meter freestyle heats.
The UNC-Wilmington commit raced her way to a second consecutive Swimmer of the Meet performance at the county tournament. The expected added pressure was nowhere to be found for Dalton.
“It feels better than last year. I didn’t really expect to get it, I’m just really happy I did,” Dalton said. “I didn’t really feel any pressure. I just like to focus on my race and go as fast as I can without worrying about anyone or anything else.”
Dalton’s speed helped propel the Lawrence girls team into a sixth place finish at the meet, narrowly edging Notre Dame by one point for a top-six finish.
Along with sweeping the three team events, Princeton also had the winner in half of the eight individual events.
Junior Kyleigh Tangen took first place in both the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, while fellow junior Lauren Girouard topped all girls in the 100 meter backstroke. Senior Annie Zhao came out victorious in the 100 meter breaststroke.
Princeton’s girls, along with its boys team, will take a perfect record into the state tournament, fresh off an MCT title repeat.