Swimming: Middle narrowly misses playoff upset

Posted: February 13th 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The defending South Jersey champions proved to be a tough out in the semifinal round of the South Jersey Group C Tournament Monday.

Middle, the fourth seed in the tournament, lost an 86-84 heartbreaker to top-seeded Seneca to have its dual meet season ended at 5-5.

The result of the meet came down to the last event, with Seneca taking the team victory through a first-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay.

Seneca amassed its points through multiple first-place finishes, but Middle gave itself a chance in the meet by posting numerous second- and third-place showings in many of the events.

Brandyn Acevedo led Middle’s effort in the loss with a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke. He also joined Liam Brannon, Colin Jastremski and Jake Frie for first place in the 200 freestyle relay. Acevedo was also second in the 50 freestyle.

Max Campbell had two second-place finishes for Middle in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. Brannon was second in the 100 freestyle, Justin Wen placed second in the 100 backstroke and Eric Fonseca finished second in the 200 individual medley.

Middle had qualified for the semifinal round thanks to a 108-62 victory over fight-seeded Schalick in the quarterfinal round.