Cabel ecstatic with St. Charles East's performance

Saints coach Joe Cabel was quick to point out the solid performance from his team at the St. Charles East Invite on Saturday, which raised money for the American Cancer Society's fight against breast cancer.

"This was the best meet we've had in seven years," Cabel said. "Great performances across the board."

The Saints placed second of nine teams. One of the standout swimmers for the Saints was Emma Smith, who is working her way back from a dislocated hip.

Smith took first place in the 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly and 500 free events.

Nicole Chapko took third in the 100 free and then won the 200 breaststroke in 2:28.55, beating out Libertyville's Maggie Boling by 0.13.

Ashley Shane took second in the 1,000 free as well.

"This is twice as long as a regular meet and the girls had to swim three events instead of the usual two, so it's a good sign going forward," explained Cabel.

But the day belonged to New Trier, who won with 501 points, beating out the Saints' 431. and Lake Forest's 365.

Trevians coach Bruce Woodbury noted his team's fatigue, but they "swam solid. We pulled together as a team and that's what we're focused on right now."

He pointed out the performance of Caroline Conklin, who won the 200 backstroke and 400 IM and placed third in the 100 breast. Samantha James enjoyed a stellar meet, capturing the 100 free and the 100 back. Stephanie Marchuk contributed with a second-place finish in the 200 fly and third in the 500 free.

Waubonsie Valley took fourth with 346.5, Julia Carroll placed third in the 100 back and second in the 200 back.

Palatine came in sixth, receiving third-place finishes from Mallory Fisher in diving and Monica Dorszewski in the 100 breast.

Taylor Johns of Lake Park won the 1,000 free at 10:46.03.