UPDATE: Complete domination by the UCHS Girls Swim Team on Tuesday afternoon, as the Soaring Eagles defeated J.P. Stevens High School in the first round of the NJSIAA State Tournament, winning the match 124-46. The girls move on to round 2 of the States, visiting Ridge on February 10. The Union City High School Girls Swim Team has been one of Hudson County’s most dominant sports squads for nearly a decade, winning 7 of the past 8 County Championships. Today, Tuesday afternoon, February 7th, they will attempt to extend their success in Round 1 of the N.J.S.I.A.A. State Tournament, hosting Edison’s J. P. Stevens High School at the Bruce Walter Recreation Center at 4:30 pm.
Head Coach Peter Sinagra and his Assistant Coach Rina Rosales have a simple message for their girls entering the State Tournament: “Set a goal, work hard, and make history.” Simple enough, right? Well, considering the squad has had three, consecutive, undefeated regular seasons, you’d think so. But the girls have yet to pass the first round in state tournament action.
The goal is to correct that today and move on to Round 2 on Thursday. The squad features 37 swimmers, many of them sophomores. All of the girls are determined and focused. Senior Elizabeth Vasquez displayed true grit in the County Championships, swimming with painful finger dislocations that were taped together, and still are, not allowing her to close her hand. It’s that kind of determination that the Soaring Eagles hope carries them to a Round 1, tournament victory. Of course, the talent of the squad is clear.
Best of luck to a dedicated, talented group of young ladies who comprise Union City High School’s swim team on Tuesday!!
