By ALEX SPONSELLER

The Pilgrim girls swim team beat visiting Shea/Tolman 58-23 on Tuesday night to improve to 1-1 this winter season.

The relay team of Charlotte McPherson, Madison Tatarian, Erin Cassady and Marcella Leberon combined to win the 200 medley, while Cassady took first in the individual medley. Alyssa Moffat then won the 500 freestyle for the Pats.

Keaney Bayha, Abigail Killilea, Leberon and Moffat then won the 200 free relay, while Cassady added another first place finish by winning the 100 backstroke. Allison Shaheen won the 100 breaststroke.

Abigail Steinhilber, Shaheen, Moffat and Taylor Mooney combined to take second in the 200 medley relay, while Bayha placed second in the 200 free. Tatarian took second in the 200 IM while McPherson placed second in the 50 free.

Shaheen placed second in the 100 free, while McPherson took second in the 500 free.

Steinhilber, Mooney, Elizabeth Chaj and Summer LeBlanc finished second in the 200 free relay while Mooney finished second in the back and Tatarian second in the breast.

The Pats return a strong core from last year’s team, including four seniors. Pilgrim’s numbers this winter are strong and have allowed it to swim a full lineup.

“The girls are doing phenomenal. Even with three girls absent tonight we were able to put teams in every relay,” said Pilgrim coach Dori La Bella. “(The seniors) are coming along. They have been working year-round towards swimming which is great. They’re getting their technique better, their times better. We’re looking forward to the rest of the year.”

The team also has a male swimmer on its roster in Andrew Vicino. Pilgrim does not have a boys varsity program but is hoping to have one next winter season. The team would need a minimum of four swimmers and the school has been recruiting prospective athletes to join the club as well.

Pilgrim improved to 1-1 and is looking to stay strong and make push toward reaching the state championships in March. La Bella has been pleased with the consistency and work ethic that her swimmers have shown, especially the handful of newcomers that have been making a splash early on.

“Every single day I am seeing improvement. They are very in tune. Every day they are asking, ‘What do I need to do to get better?’ Every day they are getting better and faster,” La Bella said.