The DHS girls swim and dive team competed mightily in the Massachusetts South Sectionals at the MIT Zesiger Center on February 8th, showcasing exceptional talent across numerous events.

The 200 medley relay, consisting of Samantha Buhlman swimming backstroke, Layla Radosta (butterfly), Tracey Brown (breaststroke), and Molly Downey (freestyle), secured a 12th place finish.

These same four swimmers competed in the 200 freestyle relay, crushing their previous time and setting a new personal best. In the 400 freestyle relay, Audrey Tartaglia had to sub for one of the swimmers and competed in this relay for the first time alongside Radosta, Downey, and Buhlman. 

This relay set a new record, with three swimmers coming in at one minute, and sophomore Buhlman split at 58 seconds, making their final time under four minutes. This destroyed the competition and qualified the relay for the State championship meet. 

In individual events, freshman Tracey Brown returned from injury and competed in the 100 breaststroke, swimming an impressive time of 1:12.67. Additionally, freshman Sophia Unger swam a time of 1:19.37. 

Sophomore diver Keira Smid also competed, earning an 8th place finish in just her second year.

One week later, on February 15th, the team entered the Division II State Championship held at Boston University. The meet featured top-tier talent from across the state.

The 200 medley team, comprised of Fiona McCafferty, Brown, Radosta, and Buhlman earned a new personal best, swimming a 2:01.36 and breaking their seed time of 2:02.37. 

McCafferty, Radosta, Buhlman, and Tartaglia took on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, proving their versatility in competing among different stroke and length races. Both earned points in the events. 

Brown continued to crush the competition in the breaststroke, and diver Smid represented Dedham for her first time at States by executing a series of complex dives. She placed 15th. 

The impressive accomplishments of the team did not go unnoticed by the many fans in attendance. Parents showed support by wearing matching team merch, and coaches Kathy Megan and Juliette Byrnes kept a keen eye on these swimmers as they cheered them along.

"We had an amazing support team," said Downey. "Our coaches and teammates who came to watch and cheer for us really made the difference. It was an amazing atmosphere, and I am so happy to have this memory of my last ever swim meet."