THE HOME OF WEST HAVEN SPORTS

Westies fall to Law
Solid team effort not enough in defeat
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 7, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team fell to Jonathan Law, 99-81, in a home meet Tuesday afternoon. The Westies had four first place finishes, but those finishes were not enough in the loss. 
Elizabeth Fournier took home a pair of first place finishes, winning the 200 freestyle in 2 minutes, 11.12 seconds and the 100 butterfly in 1:04.40. Mary Luz Heidtmann won the 100 breaststroke in 1:19.36 and the 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Jasmine Gilbert, Karen Caceres and Heidtmann won in 4:21.41.
"Elizabeth (Fournier) and Mary (Heidtmann) both did well today, and Sirena (Frissora) dropped another 34 seconds in her 500," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Taylor (Frissora) dropped five seconds in her 100 free and Catherine Bartozzi was strong in her events. Everyone showed toughness today, which is what we have been looking for."
In the 200 medley relay, the team of Caceres, Heidtmann, Fournier and Talia Raucci placed second in 2:11.10, and the team of Jaycey Padro, Dana Joseph, Sirena Frissora and Patricia Vecellio was fourth in 2:42.
Sirena Frissora was fourth in the 200 freestyle in 3:12.83, Heidtmann was second in the 200 individual medley in 2:31.41 and Caceres was third in 2:39.63, while Gilbert was third in the 50 freestyle in 31.28 seconds. 
Sarah Flynn was fourth in diving in 125.80 points, Raucci was third in the 100 butterfly in 1:24.58 and Bartozzi was third in the 100 freestyle in 1:15.98. 
Gilbert placed second in the 500 freestyle in 6:38.13 and the team of Bartozzi, Raucci, Joseph and Gilbert was second in the 200 freestyle relay in 2:13.16. Padro, Vecellio, Flynn and Sirena Frissora were third in 2:20.12. 
Caceres was second in the 100 backstroke in 1:17.55 


Pacers foil Senior Day
SHA defeats Westies, 99-82
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 23, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team was looking to conclude the regular season with a victory. Unfortunately for West Haven, that win never came as Sacred Heart Academy posted a 99-82 victory over the Westies on Senior Day at West Haven High Pool Thursday afternoon. 
The 200 medley relay team of Jasmine Gilbert, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Elizabeth Fournier and Karen Cacares won in 2 minutes, 9.08 seconds. Sarah Flynn, Dana Joseph, Julie Furtado and Esther Hurtado were fifth in 2:41.34. 
Catherine Bartozzi was fourth in the 200 freestyle in 2:48.78, Fournier won the 200 individual medley in 2:24.27, Heidtmann was third in 2:28.56, and Furtado was fourth in the 50 freestyle in 34.53 seconds. 
Maxine Carrion was West Haven's top diver with 152.75 points while Flynn was second on the Westies with 140.15 points. 
Fournier was victorious in the 100 butterfly in 1:06.44 and Talia Raucci was fifth in 1:22.84. Jaycey Padro was West Haven's top swimmer in the 100 freestyle in 1:16.32, Joseph was next in 1:22.55 , and Gilbert placed third in the 500 freestyle in 6:34.98. 
The 200 freestyle relay team of  Raucci, Joseph, Bartozzi and Padro was third in 1:55.99, Gilbert was third in the 100 backstroke in 1:15.28 and Caceres was fourth in 1:16.88. 
Heidtmann was West Haven's top swimmer in the 100 breaststroke in 1:18.07, while the 400 freestyle relay team of Bartozzi, Padro, Flynn and Fournier finished in 4:16.01. 

Westies edged by Titans
Sheehan prevails 93-84
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 20, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team continues to battle, but again fell just short. In a meet with Sheehan in Wallingford, the Westies just did not have enough in a 93-84 defeat.
"Maxine (Carrion) qualified for SCC's which is awesome," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "I am so proud of the divers' hard work this season. Mary (Luz Heidtmann) also had her season best time in the IM and Jasmine (Gilbert) dropped a little more time in her backstroke. It is great to see her excelling in something new. We're looking forward to a great Senior Night meet on Thursday with Sacred Heart."
The 200 medley relay ream of Jasmine Gilbert, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Elizabeth Fournier and Karen Caceres were tops on West Haven in 2 minutes, 11.36 seconds, while Sarah Flynn, Dana Joseph, Julie Furtado and Esther Hurtado finished in 2:55.42.
Gilbert was the top Westie in the 200 freestyle in 2:33.06, Fournier won the 200 IM and finished in 2:26.83, while Heidtmann finished in 2:30.02. Joseph finished the 50 freestyle in 33.85 seconds, Sirena Frissora was next at 35.14 and Furtado finished in 35.31. 
Maxine Carrion was tops for the Westies in diving with 160.70 points, with Sarah Flynn following with 122.20. Fournier won the 100 butterfly in 1:05.87, with Caceres next in 1:12.44. 
Catherine Bartozzi finished the 100 freestyle in 1:15.86, Jaycey Padro was next in 1:16.09, and Talia Raucci finished the 500 freestyle in 7:08.81. 
Gilbert, Bartozzi, Joseph and Raucci finished the 200 freestyle in 2:21.15, while Gilbert was also the top swimmer for the Westies in the 100 backstroke in 1:15.29. 
Heidtmann won the 100 breaststroke in 1:19.98 and Fournier, Raucci, Caceres and Heidtmann won the 400 freestyle relay in 4:30.04. Furtado, Mayreliz Estrada, Patty Vecellio and Bartozzi were next in 5:30.78. 

Westies fall to Gaels
Shelton beats Westies 104-74
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 16, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team fell to Shelton Thursday afternoon, 104-74, at the West Haven Pool Thursday afternoon. 
The Westies had four first place finishes in the contest. The 200 medley relay team of Jasmine Gilbert, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Elizabeth Fournier and Karen Caceres won in 2 minutes, 7.8 seconds. Sarah Flynn, Dana Joseph, Julie Furtado and Mikaela Ford-Smith were fourth in 2:47.37. 
Fournier won the 200 IM in 2:26.99, Maxine Carrion won the diving with 134.90 points, with Flynn second with 132.17 points. Heidtmann won the 50 freestyle in 28.48 seconds. 
Catherine Bartozzi was fourth in the 200 freestyle in 2:42.50, Fournier was second in the 100 butterfly in 1:04.10 and Bartozzi was fourth in the 100 freestyle in 1:15.57. 
Gilbert was third in the 500 freestyle in 6:35.40 and the 200 freestyle relay team of Gilbert, Talia Raucci, Joseph and Bartozzi was third in 2:15.65. 
Gilbert was third in the 100 backstroke in 1:15.36 and Caceres was fourth in 1:15.61. 
"Well, we have a new backstroker and her name is Jasmine Gilbert," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "I am so pleased with her performance after she was hesitant to compete in that event. Our divers took first and second place which had us tied after diving - something that hasn't happened all year. Sirena Frissora dropped more time in her 500. The freshmen are improving steadily and overall, everyone swam great."
Heidtmann placed second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:18.60 and the 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Raucci, Caceres and Heidtmann was second in 4:18.56. 

Westies edged by Hamden
Hamden prevails 94-87
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 14, 2014) - 
Looking as if a victory was close at hand, the West Haven girls swim team was unable to pull out the win, falling to Hamden 94-87 at West Haven High Pool Tuesday afternoon. 
"Karen (Caceres) and Mary (Luz Heidtmann) had an excellent meet, and Jasmine (Gilbert), Sirena (Frissora), Taylor (Frissora), Zoe (Militrano) and Celina (Vicente) all had best times today," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "The girls are really working hard on the little things that make a difference. This was our best meet all season and I'm so proud of all the girls."
The Westies had five first place finishers in the contest. Elizabeth Fournier won the 100 butterfly in 1 minute, 8.47 seconds and the 500 freestyle in 5:46.42. 
The 200 medley relay team of Jasmine Gilbert, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Fournier and Karen Caceres won in 2:08.94, while Sarah Flynn, Dana Joseph, Julie Furtado and Mikaela Ford-Smith were fifth in 2:49.66. 
Heidtmann won the 200 IM in 2:30.99, while Talia Raucci was third in 2:56.46. Joseph was fourth in the 50 freestyle in 33.75 seconds, Flynn was second in diving with 138.82 points and Caceres was second in the 100 butterfly in 1:12.45. 
Catherine Bartozzi was fourth in the 100 freestyle in 1:13.21 and Gilbert was fourth in the 500 freestyle in 6:49.80. 
The 200 freestyle relay team of Bartozzi, Raucci, Joseph and Gilbert was third in 2:11.27. Caceres was second in the 100 backstroke in 1:15.95 and Bartozzi was fifth in 1:32.81. 
Heidtmann won the 100 breaststroke in 1:17.41, while Joseph was third in 1:35.27. The 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Raucci, Caceres and Heidtmann was second in 4:19.43.

Lyman Hall slips by Westies
Trojans post 95-77 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 9, 2014) -
 The West Haven swim team fell to Lyman Hall, 95-77, Thursday afternoon at Sheehan High. Despite the loss, Sarah Flynn qualified for the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament in diving.
"The highlight of the meet would be Sarah Flynn making SCC's in diving," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Everyone else was steady."
The 200 medley relay team of Karen Caceres, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Elizabeth Fournier and Talia Raucci finished in 2 minutes, 14.81 seconds. 
Jasmine Gilbert was second in the 200 freestyle in 2:30.72, with Anna Bartozzi fourth in 3:07.81. Fournier was second in the 200 IM in 2:25.90 and Heidtmann was third in 2:32.06. 
Gilbert placed third in the 50 freestyle in 32.07 seconds, Flynn was third in diving with 145.65 points and Fournier was second in the 100 butterfly in 1:05.92. 
Patty Vecellio placed fourth in the 100 freestyle in 1:18.71, Raucci was second in the 500 freestyle in 6:53.34 and the 200 freestyle relay team of Catherine Bartozzi, Gilbert, Dana Joseph and Raucci was third in 2:19.27. 
Caceres placed third in the 100 backstroke in 1:16.61 and Catherine Bartozzi was fourth in 1:29.74. Heidtmann was second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:19.35, Joseph was fifth in 1:35.52 and the 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Gilbert, Caceres and Heidtmann was second in 4:22.42. 
Julie Furtado, Mayreliz Estrada, Vecellio and Catherine Bartozzi were fifth in 5:36.40.

GIRLS SWIMMING 2014

WestieBlue

West Haven girls swimming. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

All-State players - Gale Pimer '85, '86; Taryn Smith '94, '95; Megan McGorry '06; Diana Pimer '10

Westies pick up first win of Year
Several outstanding swimmers in win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(October 2, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swimming team picked up its first win of the season with a 97-59 decision over East Haven Thursday afternoon. With seven first place finishes, the Westies cruised to the victory. 
"Elizabeth (Fournier), Mary (Luz Heidtmann), Talia (Raucci) and Jasmine (Gilbert) all had big days," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Dana (Joseph) and Jaycey (Padro) picked up some key points as well and Sirena Frissora dropped 20 seconds in her 500. Overall, it was a fantastic day and I'm so proud of all of the girls for all of their hard work to get this win."
West Haven won the 200 medley relay in 2 minutes, 12.62 seconds with a team of Karen Caceres, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Elizabeth Fournier and Jasmine Gilbert. Jaycey Padro, Dana Joseph, Julie Furtado and Esther Hurtado were third in 2:55.82.
Fournier won the 200 freestyle in 2:06.91, Heidtmann won the 200 individual medley in 2:31.36, while Caceres was second in 2:38.52.
Gilbert won the 50 freestyle in 1:09.68, Catherine Bartozzi was second in 1:18.18 and Caceres was second in the 500 freestyle in 6:31.25. 
West Haven took home the top two spots in the 200 freestyle relay. The team of Padro, Raucci, Sirena Frissora and Gilbert was first in 2:21.73 and the team of Sarah Flynn, Patty Vecellio, Taylor Frissora and Bartozzi was second in 2:36.76. 
Flynn won the 100 backstroke in 1:36.94, with Padro second in 1:38.84 and Mayreliz Estrada third in 1:42.46. 

Foran nips Westies
Lions defeat West Haven, 94-80
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(September 29, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swimming team battled to the end, but fell to Foran Monday evening, 94-80 at Foran High. 
The Westies had several finishes in the top three, but they were not enough in the loss. Elizabeth Fournier won a pair of events and Karen Caceres also had a good day, winning one event and finishing second in a relay event. 
Fournier won the 200 freestyle in 2 minutes, 9.10 seconds and also took first place in the 500 freestyle in 5:47.59. 
"Elizabeth did great, winning both the 200 and 500 free," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Karen (Caceres) won the back and Mary (Luz Heidtmann) came in second in the fly and breast. 
"It was great to see our top swimmers scoring in the top two. Jasmine Gilbert was touched out in the 50, but came back to touch out her opponent in the 100 free. It was great to see some fight out of her. Same for Talia Raucci in the fly and IM - she was neck and neck with the swimmer on the other side of the pool in both races and she touched first in both."
The 200 medley relay team of Caceres, Mary Luz Heidtmann, Fournier and Gilbert placed second in the 200 medley relay in 2:11.93. Sarah Flynn, Taylor Frissora, Julie Furtado and Esther Hurtado were fifth in 3:13.65. 
Raucci was third in the 200 individual medley in 3:30.06, Heidtmann was second in the 100 butterfly in 1:10.67, with Caceres finishing third in 1:18.49 and Raucci fifth in 1:25.75. 
The 100 freestyle saw Gilbert place second in 1:07.94 with Taylor Frissora placing fifth in 1:37,42. 
The 200 freestyle relay team of Sirena Frissora, Raucci, Furtado and Gilbert was second in 2:15.55, while Catherine Bartozzi, Hurtado, Taylor Frissora and Flynn were fourth in 2:05.15. 
Heidtmann placed second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:19.43. Flynn had 129.95 points in diving and Maxine Carrion had 121.60. 
"The divers both had excellent dives today," McCauley said. "Maxine earned a seven on one of hers, which was a first. We need to get a little tougher, but we're looking forward to a good meet with East Haven this week."
The 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Raucci, Caceres and Heidtmann was second in 4:24.74. 

Westies fall to Amity
Solid effort ends with 101-73 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(September 22, 2014) 
- Despite a solid effort, the West Haven girls swim team fell to Amity, 101-73, Monday evening in Orange. 
Elizabeth Fournier had a solid night, placing first in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. Fournier won the 200 IM in 2 minutes, 23.29 seconds and won the 100 butterfly in 1:04.77. 
Mary Luz Heidtmann won the 100 breaststroke in 1:19.43, while Dana Joseph was fifth in 1:35.94. 
"Mary Heidtmann did much better in the breaststroke this week and pulled out a win, and Karen Caceres is back down to 1:15 in the back, which is huge," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Elizabeth (Fournier) came up with two wins for us and Taylor Frissora met her goal in the 500. Morgan Ruggiero competed in the maximum four events for the first time and did well coming off an illness."
The 200 medley relay team of Karen Cacares, Heidtmann, Fournier and Jasmine Gilbert was third in 2:41.83, while Morgan Ruggiero, Joseph, Julie Furtado and Celina Vicente was fifth in 2:13.43. 
Gilbert placed fifth in the 200 freestyle in 2:31.32, Sirena Frissora was fourth in the 50 freestyle in 37.07, with Furtado fifth in 37.24. 
Sarah Flynn placed third in diving with 118.95 points, Gilbert was fourth in the 100 freestyle and Heidtmann was second in the 500 freestyle in 6:12.27. 
The 200 freestyle relay team of Joseph, Talia Raucci, Furtado and Gilbert was fourth in 2:19.33, Caceres was fourth in the 100 backstroke in 1:15.92 and the 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Raucci, Caceres and Heidtmann was fourth in 4:28.20. 
Taylor Frissora, Mayreliz Estrada, Ruggiero and Joseph were fifth in 6:30.49. 

Branford edges Westies
Hornets win 99-79
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(September 18, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team dropped to 0-3 on the season, falling on the road to Branford, 99-79, Thursday afternoon.
The girls showed a lot of sportsmanship to their team members and Branford as well.
No matter how the meet was going, whether against them or with them while scoring, the team never lost an ounce of enthusiasm. They were constantly at the edge of the pool cheering for every swimmer.
"Branford is another really strong team, but they are very sweet and our girls always love to compete there despite the disparity in strength," West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "Our divers continue to improve, adding new dives to their lists and earning sixes on a few." 
Elizabeth Fournier had a solid day with two first place finishes and a second place finish. Mary Luz Heidtmann also had a first place finish for the Westies. 
Fournier won the 200 freestyle in 2 minutes, 8.28 seconds and the 100 butterfly in 1:04.70. Taylor Frissora was fifth in the 200 freestyle in 2:27.20 and Talia Raucci was fourth in the 100 butterfly in 1:25.70. 
Fournier, Raucci , Karen Caceres and Heidtmann were second in the 400 freestyle relay in a time of 4:29.16. Celina Vicente, Zoe Militrano, Sirena Frissora and Dana Joseph were fifth in 6:53.03. 
Heidtmann won the 100 backstroke in 1:21.16, with Joseph placing fifth in 1:36.30 and Anna Bartozzi sixth in 2:09.56. 
The 200 medley relay team of Caceres, Heidtmann, Fournier and Jasmine Gilbert placed second in 2:10.28, while the team of Jaycey Padro, Joseph, Julie Furtado and Raucci was fifth in 2:51.70. 
Heidtmann was third in the 200 IM in 2:35.88, while Caceres was fourth in 2:40.30 and Raucci sixth in 3:01.72. Gilbert placed third in the 50 freestyle in 31.84 seconds and Padro was fifth in 35.41. 
"Talia Raucci dropped her time in her 200 IM and Mary Luz Heidtmann was finally in the water after a respiratory issue the past few weeks," McCauley said. "She has a little ways to go to get her times where they should be, but she is working hard to get there, and she is definitely a huge asset to our team."
Maxine Carrion placed fourth in diving with Sarah Flynn placing fifth, while Bartozzi was fourth in the 100 freestyle in 1:25.42. Taylor Frissora was fifth in 1:38.39. 
Gilbert was third in the 500 freestyle in 6:50.58, with Laura Hines placing fourth in 6:50.98. 
Padro, Sirena Frissora, Catherine Bartozzi and Gilbert placed third in the 200 freestyle relay in 2:21.68, while Mayreliz Estrada, Anna Bartozzi, Taylor Frissora and Flynn were fifth in 2:38.71. 
Caceres and Padro placed in the top five in the 100 backstroke as Caceres was third in 1:17.48 and Padro was fifth in 1:33.18. 

Tigers defeat Westies
WH falls to Hand 101-73 
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(September 12, 2014) 
- Despite the efforts of Elizabeth Fournier, the West Haven girls swim team did not have enough Friday afternoon. 
With only four meets seeing top two finishes, the Westies were defeated by Hand-Madison. 101-73 Friday afternoon. 
"I thought the divers did great, both improving from their previous personal bests on Tuesday, and Talia (Raucci) continues to drop time in her events" West Haven coach Erin McCauley said. "The new freshmen are steadily improving as well."
West Haven placed second in the 400 freestyle relay in 4 minutes, 33.39 seconds with a team of Elizabeth Fournier, Talia Raucci, Jasmine Gilbert and Karen Caceres. The team of Catherine Bartozzi, Dana Joseph, Deidra Platt and Julie Furtado was fourth overall in 6:55.79. 
The 200 freestyle relay team of Jaycey Padro, Joseph, Furtado and Sirena Frissora was third in 2:25.97 and the team of Taylor Frissora, Anna Bartozzi, Patty Vecellio and Sarah Flynn was fifth. 
West Haven placed third in the 200 medley relay with a team of Karen Caceres, Fournier, Raucci and Gilbert in 2:23.15.
Padro was fourth in the 200 freestyle in 3:01.71 and Furtado was fifth in 3:17.50. Caceres was fourth in the 200 IM in 2:34.14, while Raucci was fifth in 3:01.27.
Gilbert was fourth in the 50 freestyle in 32.14 seconds and Padro was fifth in 36.10. In the diving event, Flynn finished third with 134 points, followed by Maxine Carrion with 115. 
Caceres placed third in the 100 butterfly in 1:14.85. Fournier won the 100 freestyle in 59.18, Gilbert was second in the 500 freestyle in 6:46.13, and Laura Hines was fourth in 6:47.44.
Fournier also won the 100 backstroke in 1:07, while Bartozzi was fifth in 1:32.04. Dana Joseph took home third place in the 100 breaststroke in 1:35.81.
 
Westies fall to Cheshire
Season opens with 100-76 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Tifani Gilbert contributed to this article
(September 9, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team knew it would face a tough challenge in the season opener. Playing perennial powerhouse Cheshire, the Westies were looking to improve their performances. 
Despite losing 100-76, the Westies saw plenty of solid efforts, especially by senior Elizabeth Fournier and junior diver Sarah Flynn. 
Fournier finished in the top three in two individual events and put up points in the events she was involved in. Flynn also did well in the diving events, finishing with 118 points. 
"I was so proud of all the girls today," West Haven head coach Erin McCauley said. "Cheshire can be an intimidating opponent, but I told all of the girls to stay positive and set personal goals rather than trying to race the person next to them. We have some new kids who couldn't even swim a lap two weeks ago and they competed and finished three races today." 
West Haven finished third in the 200 medley relay as sophomore Karen Caceres, Fournier, junior Talia Raucci and junior Jasmine Gilbert finished in 2 minutes, 20.21 seconds. Senior Jaycee Padro, sophomore Dana Joseph, senior Catherine Bartozzi and junior Patty Vecellio finished fifth overall in 2:37.16. 
Padro placed fourth in the 200 freestyle in 3:02.54 and sophomore Sirena Frissora was fifth in 3:27.99. Fournier had a third place finish in the 200 individual medley in 2:22.79, with Caceres placing fifth in 2:39.14. 
The 50 freestyle saw Jasmine Gilbert with a fourth place finish in 30.96, followed by Joseph in 35.70. 
Flynn was the top Westie with 118 points in the diving events, followed by junior Maxine Carrion with 110 points. 
"Sarah Flynn and Maxine Carrion both had personal best scores in diving, and Elizabeth (Fournier) and Kareen (Caceres) are right where they should be time wise to start the season. I'm looking forward to more good things on Friday against Daniel Hand."
Fournier placed second overall in the 100 butterfly in 1:03.87 and Bartozzi was fourth overall in 1:36.65. Raucci was West Haven's top swimmer in the 100 freestyle and fourth overall in 1:13.47 and Jasmine Gilbert was fourth overall in the 500 freestyle in 6:44.31. 
The team of Padro, Joseph, Bartozzi and Sirena Frissora placed fourth overall in the 200 freestyle relay in 2:23.39,  Caceres was second overall in the 100 backstroke in 1:17.19 and Joseph was fourth overall in the 100 breaststroke in 1:38.40. 
The 400 freestyle relay saw the team of Fournier, Raucci, Jasmine Gilbert and Caceres place fourth overall in 4:32.41. 

One step at a Time
Westies looking to improve throughout the year
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(September 8, 2014) -
 The West Haven girls swim team is looking for steady progress in 2014. Coming off a season in which they were 1-9 in 2013, the Westies and coach Erin McCauley are looking to steadily improve. 
"Our keys to success will be our top swimmers staying healthy and our newcomers sticking with it," McCauley said. "Swimming can be a tough sport to learn, but our freshmen seem enthusiastic.
"I have liked the number of new people who want to come out and try swimming, and I have liked the look of Elizabeth's (Fournier) strokes."
Leading the way for the 2014 Westies is senior captain Elizabeth Fournier. Fournier will use her talents to swim the 200 IM, 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle. 
"Elizabeth is an outstanding swimmer who looks to have a banner year and hopefully go All-SCC to close it out," McCauley said. "She has a chance of breaking the school records in the 100 free and 100 fly events. I have coached her since she was 11 years old, and it is so fun and amazing to see what an excellent swimmer and respectable young lady she has become."
Also returning for the Westies is sophomore Karen Caceres, who will swim the 200 IM, backstroke and butterfly. Junior Jasmine Gilbert returns to swim in the freestyle events, junior Talia Raucci will swim in the 200 IM, butterfly and freestyle, and senior Sarah Flynn will compete in the diving events. 
"This will be an exciting year for our divers as some rules and scoring changes may allow them to compete at the conference championship meet," McCauley said. "Sarah (Flynn) looks very good going into our first meet. Talia (Raucci) has been working very hard in the off season, and coming off an injury last year, I think this will be her breakout year and she will achieve some great times." 
McCauley and the Westies also have Mary Luz Heidtmann, who is a sophomore transfer from Sacred Heart Academy . Heidtmann will swim in the 200 IM and the breaststroke. Junior Maxine Carrion will also participate in the diving events. 
"She (Heidtmann) is an excellent swimmer and competes in the 200 IM and the breaststroke," McCauley said. "If she stays healthy, she will be a huge addition to our team. Maxine could bring in some extra much needed points for us on the diving board this season.
"I hope to see at least four of our swimmers and one diver compete for the top 24 in the conference this season, and I would like to win at least one meet so that we can at least maintain our streak of no winless seasons." 
West Haven opens the season Tuesday, September 9 at home against Cheszxhire at 4 p.m.