Hill Heights wins at home over Belle Terre

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 20, 2008

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Belle Terre’s Gage Alleman and Alexis Bailey each won three individual events on Monday night as Belle Terre visited host Hill Heights for its third meet of the season.

 The Hurricanes were able to keep Belle Terre winless in River Parish Swim League meets though, defeating the Piranhas 361.5 to 178.5.

Both Alleman (11 & 12 boys) and Bailey (15-18 girls) are a perfect 9-for-9 in individual events this season, and have been a bright spot in each meet for Belle Terre.

“Alexis and Gage both swim year round, which is why they’re each so familiar with racing,” said Belle Terre Coach Laura Bailey.

The first year coach also praised the effort of Cari Jane Roussel, who notched three second place finishes against Hill Heights in the 11 & 12 year-old girls age group.

“She’s been excelling for us this season,” said Laura Bailey. “She’s helped our team out a lot.”

Sean Doody, Christopher Guillot, and Tyra Watkins all captured first place in two events on Monday night.

Rounding out the first place winners were Madison Torres, Sophia Simon, James Krawczyk, and Hunter Songy.

Through half the season, Laura Bailey says she sees her team as strongest in the backstroke and breaststroke events while hoping to see improvement in the freestyle and butterfly.

As the season’s final week approaches, and meets with Larayo and Ellington loom, she says she’d like to see continued improvement, but wants her swimmers to enjoy themselves above anything else.

“I want them to go out and just have fun,” she said. “Not to take it too seriously, and go out and give it their best. I’ve been pleased with their swimming all year.”

The win allows Hill Heights (3-1) to stay in the mix near the top of the standings. The Hurricanes have only lost once this season, to defending champion Larayo.