School Roundup: Classical’s Murkison impresses in NEC swim finale

Classical High’s Tia Murkison made her final Northeastern Conference swim meet a memorable one by finishing first in diving with 212.95 points.Murkison, a senior, was one of several Lynn divers and swimmers who made some noise in Day 1 of the NEC meet at Salem State College. Her teammate, Catie Chipman, finished sixth with 135 points. Marblehead’s Haley Robb took second (206.25 points) and Jodi Bulger, Danvers, took third (157.05 points).English’s Will Segal also fared well in boys diving, finishing second (145.60 points) behind Peabody’s Steve Maruzzi (189.35 points). Bill Wyman, Marblehead, finished third (141.85 points) and Chris Voyiagis, Classical, took seventh (90.05).In the 500 free, the only other event held yesterday, Beverly’s Kelly O’Connor finished first for the girls with a 5:26.27, but Classical’s Katelyn Kidney wasn’t far behind, taking second with a time of 5:31.31. Caroline Belli of Marblehead took third.In the boys 500 free, Marblehead’s Cal Gridley took first (6:04.78), Kevin Ranta of Beverly, second (6:05.79); and Nikata Klimashob, Swampscott, finished third.The remaining events will be held tonight at Salem State College.GYMNASTICSMarblehead 133.7, Winthrop 131.95At Marblehead, the combined Marblehead/Swampscott team got the job done thanks in part to Morgan Pickett, who won all-around (37.5). She took firsts on all four events, bars (9.21), beam (.55), vault (9.25) and 9.5 on floor. Cassie Noonan took second on beam (8.5) and third on floor (8.8).Alexis Lemieux took fourth on floor (8.6).Marblehead/Swampscott’s record is 4-6.FENCINGSt. John’s 18, Concord-Carlisle 9At Concord, the Eagles (15-2) epee team of Rhaesh Reddy, Tucker Robinson-Neff and Bryan Wallace combined to go 8-1 to give St. John’s the win.Julian Cardillo was 3-0 in foil and Chris Barnes was 3-0 in sabre.