By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
The Lake Orion girls swimmers are poised to make some waves in the OAA Red Division and at the state level this season.
Coach Darin Abbase said he has some high hopes for the team, which finished eighth last season in state Division 1 competition.
‘Our team is looking really solid,? Abasse said following a recent win over Royal Oak. ‘We opened up with the Wayne State University relays and won that invitational. We were runners-up for a few years so it was great to get that victory.?
The Dragons have several returning swimmers who contributed to the team’s success last year.
‘Our relay strength is really strong. We are looking at a top 10 finish in the state and possibly a top five finish. It depends on how we do late in the season. We have some very strong swimmers,? Abasse said.
The team is led by senior captains Lydia Mattar, Bethany Abramczyk and Danielle Kudla. Some other swimmers expected to be among the team’s leaders are Kirstyn Abasse, Natalie Zainea and Sarah Hennings.
‘Our swimmers have worked hard all year and it’s paying off,? Coach Abasse said.
The Dragons will compete in the OAA Red Division against such schools as Clarkston, Rochester Adams, Birmingham Seaholm and Groves and Farmington Harrison.
‘We will compete for the league championship. It’s our goal to win it,? Abasse said.
In addition to the experience, the team is also getting some contributions from underclassmen. Freshmen Eliana Ritt and Claire Wojno have been solid so far.
The divers are led by senior Lauren Young and juniors Darcy Munns and Abigale Slater.
‘The kids, from the diving boards to the blocks, are doing a great job,? he said.