The Swim and Dive team opened its season on Friday, Feb. 27, against Terra Linda, one of Marin’s top swim programs. The women’s team barely fell by a score of 90-85, and the men lost by a slightly larger margin of 96-72.
Facing off against a team that won the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) last year, the Giants entered the meet as the underdog. Still, the Giants competed with intensity and fortitude, finishing races strong and refusing to let the scoreboard dictate their effort throughout the evening.
Junior Ava Pellumbi led the way with a win in the 100-yard butterfly. Pellumbi described the nerves she feels before racing and how she manages them to perform at the highest level.
“I swim the 100 fly, and for me, I get a lot of anxiety before I race, so I stretch, take deep breaths and listen to music before getting in the water,” Pellumbi said. “While I’m swimming, I try to get in a good rhythm and focus on my kick and not overthink. I won today and am super happy, and I had a pretty good time for the first meet.”
Senior Shane Pastel emphasized the team’s focus on finishing strong, regardless of what the outcome may be.
Sophomore Storm Jackson highlighted the team’s preparation and mindset heading into their meet against Terra Linda’s high-level swim program.
“The last three weeks have just been practice, so everyone’s getting in shape and working hard together. We definitely came in as the underdogs of this meet. They’re a super successful swim team, but we’ve been winning a bunch of races and placing high. It’s been
impressive the way we’ve handled ourselves against such a high-level team,” Jackson said.
Although Terra Linda exited the meet on top, the Giants proved they are capable of competing with one of the top-notch programs in the league and will look to build momentum as the season progresses.
