Girls swimming: Stevenson rolls to sectional title in record-setting meet

Stevenson’s pool took a beating Saturday afternoon.

Eight records fell.

Now that's making a splash.

Stevenson's girls swimming and diving team shattered or matched six pool records, and Fremd senior Ellie Patla accounted for two more at the 15-team Stevenson sectional in Lincolnshire.

The reigning state champion Patriots piled up 305 points to capture the sectional title, comfortably ahead of runner-up Fremd (217), Libertyville (199), Mundelein (135) and Barrington (126).

Next stop?

The state meet Nov. 13-14 at FMC Natatorium in Westmont.

Stevenson senior Aria Grossenbach, the defending state champion in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, lowered pool records in both events, winning in 22.74 and 48.47 seconds, respectively.

Teammate Claire Wang matched a pool record in the 200 individual medley (2:03.63) and established another in the 100 butterfly (55.39).

The Patriots' 200 free relay quartet of Wang, freshman Esmae Shen, freshman Grace Zhang and Grossenbach clocked a pool-record 1:33.59. Wang, junior Christine Liu, senior Vanessa Miecznikowski and Grossenbach followed with another record in the 400 free relay (3:25.26).

Stevenson also won the 200 medley relay (1:44.78), courtesy of Miecznikowski, Shen, Liu and Zhang. Junior Sophia Dimitrov captured the 100 backstroke (56.18).

Patla?

Sensational. Twice.

The Wisconsin-bound Viking won the 200 free in a pool-record 1:47.29 and the 500 free in another record-setting 4:48.97.

Fremd senior Mihika Tillu started the Vikings' day with a career-best 481.20 points to win diving and secure an automatic state berth. Barrington senior Ella Yang finished second (456.25).

Tillu's preparation included a mock meet staged by Fremd diving coach Donna O'Brien, who wore a headset and announced scores through a voice amplifier.

"I looked like a pilot," O'Brien said.

Fremd senior Anna Hinshaw sacrificed a potential state berth in the 100 back to strengthen the Vikings' state-qualifying 200 and 400 free relays.

"I like to emphasize the team aspect of the sport," Hinshaw said.

Warren sophomore Alexis Kiriakopoulos captured the 100 breaststroke (1:04.01), completing the list of individual swimming champions.

Libertyville junior Madison Southwell qualified for state in four events, including two relays, after missing last season with a shoulder injury.

Lake Zurich senior Alicia Czosnyka placed second in the 200 IM (2:04.07) and 500 free (4:58.88). Mundelein sophomore Jenny Taylor took second in the 100 back (56.25), ahead of Vernon Hills freshman Nina Kamarauli (56.39). Palatine senior Vivian Myers qualified in the 50 free (23.99).

Mundelein's retiring Rahul Sethna was named sectional Coach of the Year.

And one of the day’s most stirring performances?

It didn’t produce a victory.

Stevenson junior Nora Curtin slashed more than 16 seconds off her 500 free seed time, qualifying for state in 5:13.26 from the event’s penultimate heat.

Patriots coach Art Kasemets needed a moment.

"I had to sit down on the ground after that heat," he said. "I was thrilled and spent."

Curtin's first words afterward?

"Wow, that was fun."

Kasemets' response?

"That was all you."

Stevenson junior Daniella Berger advanced to state in all three Athletes With Disabilities events.