None of the Section III swimmers participating in last weekend’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship meet at Ithaca College did as well as Liverpool’s Madeline Murphy, at least in terms of getting near the top of the medal podium.
Murphy had her big moment in the 50-yard freestyle. During Friday’s qualifying round, Murphy finished in 23.65 seconds, breaking the Section III record in that event and earning a trip to the finals with the third-fastest time. Pittsford’s Katie Smith broke a state record with 23.05 seconds in that same round.
Ironically, in the finals Murphy would not go as fast, but her time of 23.76 seconds still gave her the third-place medal and All-American consideration. Adding to the irony, Smith, despite the state record, finished second (23.24 seconds) to Clarence’s Dina Rommel, who won in 23.13 seconds.
Moving to the 100 freestyle, Murphy also advances to the finals here with her time of 52.65 seconds. But she improved here in the finals, getting to 52.27 seconds to set another school record and finish ninth overall, as Orchard Park’s Andrea Ernst (50.88 seconds) prevailed.
Liverpool also swam in the 200 freestyle relay. Murphy, teaming with Sydnie Sovinsky, Madison Hall and Olivia Corlett, improved from a 1:41.88 in qualifying to a 1:39.53 in the finals, setting yet another school record and taking 21st place overall.
As a team, the Warriors picked up 34 points, putting them in 34th place among the 94 teams that earned points during the event. Clarence, with 240 points, edge Pittsford (222 points) for top honors.
