Pucci-Schaefer, Marsh lead ‘Billies at Section VI state qualifiers
BUFFALO — Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer and Leah Marsh are heading to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association swimming & diving championships.
Pucci-Schaefer, competing for Fredonia/Pine Valley, won the Section VI 1-meter diving competition Thursday at Alden High School with 523.30 points, nearly 80 more than second-place Jaemara Sturdivant of Niagara Falls.
Pucci-Schaefer’s teammate Leah Marsh finished fourth with 426.10 points.
Frewsburg/Falconer’s Elayna Pitts was third in the diving competition with 428.10 points while Allegany-Limestone/Ellicottville’s Michaella Rhodes was fifth (420.55) and Southwestern/Jamestown’s Ashlynn Swan was sixth (412.85).
Pucci-Schaefer’s and Marsh’s performance helped Fredonia/Pine Valley finish 14th overall with 146.5 points when the Section VI state qualifier wrapped up Friday at Erie Community College’s Flickinger Center.
Southwestern/Jamestown finished 16th with 139.7 points, led by Lindsey Spitz’s 10th-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke. Clarissa Hren was 15th in the 200-yard individual medley, Morgan Faulk was 16th in the 50-yard freestyle and Alexis Grijalva was 24th in the 200-yard freestyle.
Panama/Maple Grove/Clymer was 19th with 138.6 points. Evelyn Montagna was 11th in the 100-yard breaststroke and 21st in the 200-yard individual medley while Desiree Putt was 19th in the 100-yard backstroke.
Frewsburg/Falconer finished 23rd with 132 points, led by Pitts. Cara Pillittieri was eighth in the 500-yard freestyle and 11th in the 200-yard individual medley while Emily Swan was 15th in the 100-yard freestyle and 23rd in the 200-yard freestyle.
Allegany-Limestone/Ellicottville was 29th with 119.8 points. Lauryn Ball was eighth in the 100-yard backstroke and 23rd in the 200-yard individual medley.




