On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Great Neck South Girls Swim Team captured its fourth consecutive division title. Previous to their winning streak beginning in 2002, the team had never before won a division title.

The Rebels swam against Bellmore-Merrick, a team seeded third in preseason rankings. Great Neck South was seeded sixth in the preseason rankings and this meet was considered the first stepping stone in what has become an exciting season.

There were many close races. Girls on both teams were cheering across the whole perimeter of the pool. "The level of intensity was high. Even if a swimmer was waiting for a race, the adrenaline rush was still there," said co-captain senior Devra Noren.

The first half of the meet was close. Though the Rebels won almost every race, Bellmore-Merrick stayed strong by placing second, third or fourth.

"There were so many outstanding performances that to single one out would not be appropriate," said Coach Andy Berlin. "But certainly a major turning point was the one, two, three finish in the 500 freestyle by eighth grader Julia Festa, freshman Amanda Ackerman and eighth-grader Linda Chang [respectively]."

At the end of the first half, Bellmore-Merrick placed first and second in diving and left the Rebels up by only four points.

However, due to the strong second half that the team had in store, the small lead changed drastically. The Rebels won by 30 points, with a final score of 107.5 to 77.5 to win their fourth consecutive division title.

The swimming divisions and conferences are made up by taking a team's results from the previous year's county championships. All graduating seniors' points and relay points are subtracted from each teams' total. The meet is then re-scored and the rankings for division and conference alignments are set, explained Berlin.

Though the Rebels captured the division title, the team must still train hard for tough meets against teams such as Manhasset, Garden City, Long Beach and Sewanhaka.

"Certainly thus far we are thrilled with our results, but we will continue to work hard and improve in all events and look to go as far as our abilities will take us," said Berlin.

The Rebels will compete against Wantagh on Friday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. at the South Middle School pool. Come cheer them on to keep up their current record of six wins, no losses!