West Hartford’s Conard High School will be competing against some of the state’s powerhouse teams in the Class LL tournament.

Submitted 

After an undefeated season, one may wonder what more the CCC West co-champion Conard girls swimming and diving team could be looking to accomplish. On Saturday, Nov. 12, you’d get the answer: the Red Wolves are sending 20 of their team members to the Class LL State Tournament.

Class LL includes perennial powerhouse schools Ridgefield, Greenwich, and Glastonbury, however, the Red Wolves high number of state qualifiers and their pre-meet rankings give Conard a chance to finish in the top five. A top-five finish isn’t the only thing on the line; several of the girls are looking to take down school records while they compete among the best in the state.

The Red Wolves’ strength, depth, and balance was on display all season, and their tournament entries highlight that. Conard has four entries in every individual event except the 100 yard butterfly. Ali Colburn, last year’s Class L Champion, is a strong contender to become a repeat champion in Conard’s new class, as well as pushing her 11-dive school record to an even more formidable mark before she graduates. Liv and Tess Sherry will also take a shot at winning the 100 yard breaststroke, and have their sights set on the Conard 100 yard breaststroke record. Conard’s 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay will also be swimming to set school records.

Class LL Swimming State Trials will be held at Cornerstone Aquatic Center in West Hartford, with the top 24 finishers in each event competing Wednesday, Nov. 16 at State Finals. Class LL Diving State Trials/Finals will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Sheehan. The top 24 finishers in every event across all classes will go on to compete at the State Open at Yale on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The full list of individual qualifiers includes:

• Ali Colburn, senior, diving
• Claire Dombrofski, senior, 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle
• Rachel Giroux, senior, diving
• Sophia Pincince, senior, 500 yard freestyle
• Aspen Rosner, senior, 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle
• Ella Switzer, senior, 200 yard individual medley, 100 yard breaststroke
• Jane Harhay, junior, 200 yard freestyle, 500 yard freestyle
• Denitsa Peneva, junior, 100 yard backstroke
• Gabrielle Alekshun, sophomore, diving
• Meghan Jo, sophomore, 200 yard freestyle, 500 yard freestyle
• Rachel Mathews, sophomore, 200 yard individual medley, 100 yard butterfly
• Mia Rosario, sophomore, diving
• Liv Sherry, sophomore, 200 yard individual medley, 100 yard breaststroke
• Tess Sherry, sophomore, 200 yard individual medley, 100 yard breaststroke
• Rosie Alonzo, freshman, 200 yard freestyle, 100 yard backstroke
• Ella Hall, freshman, 100 yard breaststroke
• Claire Haverly, freshman, 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle
• Lyla Harhay, freshman 200 yard freestyle, 500 yard freestyle
• Gracie Lowney, freshman, 100 yard freestyle, 100 yard backstroke
• Cecelia Peck, freshman, 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard backstroke

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.