2005 Westfield- Girls Swimming State Finals

When the final vote for the state’s top girls swimming team is conducted, it might be a good idea to contact Westfield coach Jaime Ruszala. The Blue Devils’ are likely to finish fourth ranked in the state with their only three losses coming to the top three teams ranked above them.

Earlier this season they were defeated in separate meets by co-parochial champions Mt. St. Mary and Immaculate Heart Academy and Saturday they lost to unbeaten Vineland 105-65 in the NJSIAA/PSEG Public School A finals at The College of New Jersey in Ewing Township.

The loss came the day after Westfield’s most exhilarating triumph of the year when they defeated previously undefeated West Windsor Plainsboro South 92-78 to avenge a loss in the same round of the tournament a year ago.

“It was great to win the semi-final against a great team like WWP, “ said Ruszala.
“The girls were awesome on Friday night. It was our highest power point meet of the year.”

“Beating West Windsor and going to state finals was a goal of our team and I am really proud to have helped us reach that goal,” said senior tri-captain Amanda Dickson, who finished her team career brilliantly in both meets.
“We wanted to beat them this year, because they beat us last year.”

Although they won only three individual events it was the Blue Devil’s depth that came through. The key event was the 100-yard butterfly where Brittany Reyes, Kylie Fraser, and Chrissy Isabella swept the first three places. Ruszala was ecstatic about Isabella who has dropped five seconds off her time this year.

Freshman sensation Alexi Kuska provided crucial second place finishes in the 200 and 500-yard free style and Darrell Ann Smith was second in the 100-yard backstroke.

Liz Hawkins combined with Kuska, Dickson and Kirsten Selert to win the 400-yard free style relay, which provided breathing room late in the meet.

The only other individual winner was Dickson, who won the individual medley. Dickson also won two events against Vineland, the individual medley and led teammates Jackie DeLaFuente and Katie Morgan to a 1-2-3 sweep in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Despite the heroics, the Blue Devils were overmatched against four time defending champion Vineland, which will probably wind up the state’s top team.

“They’re all very strong teams with talent and depth,” said Ruszala.
“I would like to see either IHA or Mount play Vineland.”

Dickson would vote for Vineland.
“Vineland was a really tough meet. We knew going in that they are the best
competition we would have all season, so we just wanted to keep a positive
attitude ,” said Dickson.
“They were all so tired on Saturday, but did so well, “ said Ruszala.
“They have so much heart.”