The Randolph Girls Swim team proved it was ready to put in the work this year, beating Morristown 88-82 in a close season opener on Thursday, Dec. 4. With the Rams’ starting record now 1-0, the team is primed for more competition to come.

“Throughout these close meets, we encourage the team by cheering and making sure everyone is ready to swim fast,” senior Alivia Wright said. 

To start off the thrilling meet, sophomores Julianna Young and Alba Saguillo Leppanen, freshman Sofia Saguillo Leppanen and sophomore Ashley McDonnell earned second place in the 200-medley relay.

The girls then proceeded with the 200 free, with senior Sydney Wright earning first, and sophomores Taylor Holtzman and Amelia Williams following at third and fourth place. This earned some early points for the Rams that helped them out later in the meet.

Moving into the 200 individual medley, A. Wright with Young behind dominated, going 1-2 in the event.

The 50 free saw some young faces, with McDonnell and freshman Elizabeth Loeffler getting second and third.

“As a team, our main goal going into the first meet was to swim our best but also get our footing right,” senior Peyton Enama said. “I think we just need to find our place and fall back into what’s right.”

In the 100 fly, A. Wright and S. Leppanen earned second and third, similar to the 100 free where S. Wright and sophomore Reese Nelson earned second and third as well.

McDonnell and Williams dominated 1-2 in the 500 free, but Morristown did not make it easy for Randolph, and the relays were difficult competition. A. Wright, Loeffler, Nelson and S. Wright earned second place in the 200 free relay, tightening the score.

Young earned second in the 100 back, and A. Leppanen also placed second in the 100 breast.

With the last event, the 400 free relay, the score was neck-and-neck. The Rams had to win this event to win the meet. The relay team of McDonnell, Nelson, Young and S. Wright secured the win and earned first place, leading to a victory for the Rams.

“Coming out with a win in our first meet is great, and it gives the team the confidence we need to stay strong this season,” A. Wright said.

The close meet helped prepare the Rams for future competition, including another meet against Morristown at the county championships later in the season.

The girls face Chatham next on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m.