Columbia HS girls’ swim team unbeaten run ends in state sectional quarterfinals

MAPLEWOOD – The Columbia High School girls’ swim team had a good run.

The Lady Cougars remained unbeaten after defeating Phillipsburg, 88-82, in the first round of the state North Jersey Section 2, Public A tournament on Feb. 2 at Morristown High School.

Elly Ragone, a freshman, won both the 200-yard freestyle in 2:17.77 and 500 freestyle in 4:50.76. Ragone also was part of the winning 200 freestyle relay in 2:02.52 and the winning 400 freestyle relay in 4:21.55.

Marie Fagan, a sophomore, won both the 100 backstroke in 1:10.44 and 100 butterfly in 1:07.83 and was part of the 400 freestyle relay.

Alisa Stellini, a freshman, won the 200 individual medley in 2:44.86 and was part of the 400 freestyle relay.

Sarah Ortiz, a senior, also was on the 400 freestyle relay.

The other members of the 200 freestyle relay were sophomores Caroline Cerny and Raina Hackett and freshman Gabby Hayek.

Phillipsburg was the No. 7 seed.

CHS then fell to third-seeded Ridge, 123-47, in the quarterfinals on Feb. 5 at the Somerset Hills YMCA to move to a 15-1 record.