John Jay Doesn’t get Down in Loss to Somers-Yorktown

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On Wednesday October 7, John Jay traveled to the Mildred E. Strang Middle School in Yorktown Heights, New York and hoped to continue the great start to their 2026 season. In their way was the combined team of Somers Yorktown. So the announcement of the final score definitely got a reaction on the John Jay side

Cassidy Horel gave voice for the whole team. “Ugh, that’s our first loss,” she sighed in the moment.

49 to 45, the resulting 3-1 record still gave the Wolves plenty to hang their swims caps and trunks on. The biggest day went to the Wolves' top horse, Abbey Hehman. She finished first in the 200 Meter Medley Relay (with Isabelle Hehman, Taylor Belloni and Cassidy Horel), the 100 Meter Freestyle and the 400 Meter Freestyle Relay with Alli Garofalo, Horel and Isabelle Hehman.

The same goes for the 200 Meter Individual Medley, which matters beyond the first dip and final touch of the wall. “The Individual Medley is important because it really builds your endurance, just doing the four strokes consecutively,” the John Jay Wolf explained the difficulty.

The 500 meter does something for a swimmer’s stamina too, but Danika Maden believes the marathon swim race does more for her mental toughness. “It’s the mindset and that impacts all your other swims,” said the third place finisher.

Two places better, Belloni took first in the 100 Meter breast stroke and credited the comfort of familiarity. “I swim the race a lot so I’m used to it,” she said. “I have a very good strategy down.”

Also part of the 200 meter medley relay, she likened the effort to making music. “You’ve got to work together to play each part of the piece,” said Belloni.

Horel didn’t mind going into the pool alone, though. She placed first in the 200 meter Freestyle and doesn’t mind being pragmatic about this grueling sport. “It’s a life skill and definitely keeps me fit,” she joked. 

No doubt with all the training, Isabella Hehman was happy to take some shine just the same.  Second place in the 50 meter Fly, she didn’t miss a beat when the lineup suddenly changed at the start of the afternoon. “I was pretty proud of myself because I wasn’t supposed to swim this race,” the John Jay swimmer revealed. 

So her mixed up warmup regimen had to do at the moment of truth. On the other hand, Vanessa Herrera’s day was pretty straightforward.  A heavy lift anyway, she did the 500 meter and went in knowing what to do.  “You really have to know how to pace yourself,” she assured. 

Still, last place didn’t get her down because her goals can’t be defeated. “I just hope to have fun with my team and do my best to improve,” said Herrera.

The same goes as the team’s win streak has come to an end. “We’ll be back,” said Belloni.

The post season just around the corner, she could definitely make the claim with certainty. That said, the next step begins on Friday, October 30 when SUNY Purchase will host the League Championships

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