High school girls swimming and diving: Short

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The short-handed Kingston High’s girls team claimed an 88-77 win over Red Hook on Monday to give Tigers coach Chris Sammons his 175th career victory for the school’s swimming and diving squads.

Gianna Vertullo captured two races for Kingston with season-best times and Katherine Steeves took two races. Erin Navarra had one win with a season-best time and Ayla Boye recorded her first varsity victory in the 500-yard freestyle.

With Kingston’s roster reduced to seven competitors due to illness and injury, the Tigers (5-1) had only seven swimmers available.

After winning the diving event, Kingston’s Sofia Grande anchored the 400-yard freestyle relay to wrap up the dual meet win. Boye, Maeve Paul and Natalie Cascio were other members of the victorious Kingston relay team.

“The girls showed the grit and heart that keeps us winning,” Sammons said.

Rondout Valley’s Clara Samko was .41 seconds off qualifying for the New York State Swimming Diving Championships in the 200-yard freestyle.

Onteora’s Grace Young was .38 seconds off the state qualifying time in the 100-yard freestyle.

Rondout Valley and Onteora athletes train and swim in meets with Kingston, but their results don’t count in the team scores.

Kingston returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 4:30 p.m. at home against Newburgh Free Academy.

Red Hook will compete Friday, Oct. 13, at 4:30 p.m. at the Goshen Aquatic Center.

Editor’s note: This story was updated Oct. 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. to correct Sofie Grande’s first name and to correct the distance of the event won by Ayla Boye.

Photos: Kingston – Red Hook girls swim meet