The record might not show it, but Haddam-Killingworth girls' swimming coach Peter Ettlinger is pleased with the performance he is getting from his team. The Cougars fell to 0-3 on Sept. 27 in a loss 91-82 loss to Watertown, but their coach was still proud of the effort.

"Despite facing a much stronger Watertown team, we brought our A-game for the outset of the meet," said Ettlinger. "Almost every swimmer had a personal-best time in their respective events. Nice progress is being made by all as we have four meets now complete. We fought valiantly for every point."

The Cougars had nine top-three finishes, including the 200 medley relay team of Sarah Massicott, Tess Grimaldi, Julie Faust, and Rachael Whiteley; Whiteley in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke, Andi Cherry in diving (2nd), Ashley DeCrosta in diving (3rd), Tess Grimaldi in the 100 butterfly, Faust in the 100 free, and Massicott in the 500 free and 100 backstroke. The 200 free relay team of Faust, Grimaldi, Whiteley, and Massicott also placed well.

"It is encouraging and exciting to see such great contributions from all the swimmers. Despite drops in times, there is still room for improvement," Ettlinger said.

-Nick Greene