SENIOR SWIM: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Emily Curran displays her freestyle form in a meet this year. Senior star and co-captain Curran enjoyed a big final campaign, helping PHS go 9-4 and advance to the North 2 Public B sectional quarterfinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Carly Misiewicz sensed that her Princeton High girls’ swimming team was developing a special spirit as it headed into the homestretch of the season.

“Our girls’ team was really passionate and really cared for each other,” said PHS head coach Misiewicz. “They wanted to dig deep.”

PHS dug deep at the Mercer County Championships, taking a strong third, just five points behind second place Hightstown in the meet won by WW/P-North.

“I was really, really impressed with their performance at counties,” said Misiewicz, whose team capped the competition with a dominant victory in the 400-meter freestyle relay. “The 400 free relay was great. When I think about that race, it gives me goosebumps.”

In the wake of the strong effort at the county meet, PHS defeated Millburn 95.5-74.5 in the first round of the North 2 Public B sectionals before falling to Middletown South is the sectional quarterfinals to end the winter with a 9-4 record.

“That was really nice to walk away from that and win,” said Misiewicz, reflecting on the victory over Millburn. “It was the last home meet.”

The trio of seniors Samantha Davis, Emily Curran, Nicole Saengtawesin gave the Little Tigers a very nice effort this year.

“Their contribution has been something that has been very admirable; I told them that we are going to miss you next year for sure,” said Misiewicz.

“Emily Curran didn’t get the opportunity to swim last year. She had a lot of shoulder issues and complications. I told her it could have been very easy for you to hang up the towel and not come back. It really means a lot to me and it shows her true character and what the team meant to her.”

Senior newcomer Isabella Giglio showed character as she joined the squad.

“Bella is one of the hardest working people you will ever see; she would work her butt off everyday,” said Misiewicz. “You tell her to work on something and she worked on it to the nth degree.”

With such returners as freshman standout Becca Della Rocca, the county champion in the 400 free, along with Emily Becker, Gwen Schilling, Satya Baliga, Cammie Davis, and Ella Caddeau, PHS has the potential to be something special next winter.

“We have quite a few girls coming back,” said Misiewicz. “There is a very solid group, there are some strong swimmers.”