ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The Pirates split a pair of pre-Christmas dual meets, as Rocky River was swept by Strongsville on Dec. 19 before delivering boys' and girls' wins over Westlake on Dec. 23.

The twin setbacks against a talented Strongsville squad -- in a meet held in neutral waters at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio -- mark River's only losses to date this season. The Pirates were bested by the Mustangs, 103-67, in the boys' competition and 94-76 in the girls'.

Rocky River rallied in a home meet against Westlake, with the River boys prevailing, 118-62, and the Pirate girls winning, 136-44.

For the week, highlights for the boys team (3-1) included the performances of Michael Esdon and Drew Helms. Esdon logged a win (500-yard freestyle) and a second (200 free) against Strongsville and two more victories (500 free, 200 individual medley) against Westlake. Helms won the 100 backstroke in both meets; he also took first in the 100 free against Westlake. Both athletes were also in on multiple first-place relays over the two meets. 

Highlights for the River girls (3-1) included the efforts of Gianna Miller, Ella Russell, and Kate Tlapa. Miller won two individual events in both meets. Russell placed first in the 200 IM against the Mustangs and won twice (50 free, 100 back) against the Demons. Tlapa swept the 500 free for the week; her win against Strongsville came in a tremendous effort in which she outdueled Jillian Rymer by a three-second margin.

Both teams are slated to return to action on Tuesday when they host a Great Lakes Conference meet against Lakewood.


by Skip Snow

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