Brien Kalnoski usually goes out of his way to avoid making predictions. However, the Upper Perkiomen swimming coach doesn't mind going out on a limb to discuss Noel Fresa's chances to win a PIAA goal medal.

Noel Fresa competes in the 200-yard free- style on Tuesday against Perkiomen Valley.

            "Noel has the ability to do it," Kalnoski said.

            Two meets into her senior season, Fresa has set her own goal of winning the state title in the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyle races. She says both are legitimately within reach.

            "My expectations are pretty high," said Fresa, who has already won four PIAA medals. "I've wanted this since my freshman year."

            According to the coach, winning one goal medal at states would represent a

Trevor Cairns takes a breath during the 200- freestyle race on Tuesday.

monumental accomplishment. Kalnoski said no female swimmer in school history has ever won an individual state title.

            "If all the stars align, Noel could be part of something very special," he said. "She's got three months of tough swimming ahead. But it's within her grasp."

            On Tuesday, Fresa helped lead the Indians' girls team to an 88-82 victory over Perkiomen Valley in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. She won the 100 backstroke (1:01.53) and 200 free (2:00.38), while participating in two first-place relay teams.

            Devin Romanowski won the 50 and 100 free events. She also teamed with Mikayla Jones, Kayman Heater and Fresa to finish first on the 200 free relay. Romanowski also combined with Laura Cooney, Darragh Martin and Fresa to capture the 400 free relay title. Martin added a first-place finish in the 100 butterfly.

            Fresa's two freestyle victories weren't enough to prevent them from absorbing a 95-78 loss against Schuylkill Valley on Friday, Dec. 6. She captured the 50 free (25.03 seconds) and the 100 free (52.99). Mia Hang finished first in the 100 breaststroke (1:22.23).

            Fresa, who finished third in the 200 yard free and second in the 100 free in the PIAA Class 2A Tournament last season, figures she has a good chance to win both events since everyone who beat her has graduated.

            Against the Vikings, Fresa swam just fast enough to win her events. She said she know when she needs to sprint or conserve energy. According to Kalnoski, she'll likely be asked to provide maximum effort against tougher conference opponents, such as Owen J. Roberts and Boyertown, or in pursuit of the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke team records.

            "I'm happy with where my times are right now in the 100 and 200 free," said Fresa, who owns seven team records and has committed to continue her career at Lehigh University.

            The Indians boys lost 92-78 to Perkiomen Valley on Tuesday. Freshman Eric Harter posted three first-place finishes. He won the 100 free (52.80) and was part of the victorious 200 and 400 free relay teams.

            "Eric has done a tremendous job," Kalnoski said.

            Sean Lyman posted two individual victories to lead the boys to an 87-80 victory over Schuylkill Valley. The Indians also  won a pair of relay races.

            Lyman won the 100 yard butterfly (55.13 seconds) and the 200 IM (2:01.35). Trevor Cairns finished first in the 500 free (5:12.93), as did Kevin Kovalenko in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.71).

            A pair of relay teams finished first. The 200 Medley Relay clocked in at 1 minute, 46.93 seconds. The 400 free relay finished in 3:27.85.

            The team, which features only nine swimmers, includes Joseph McGillen, Josh McKelvy, Colin Henry, Michael Szymanski and Nolan Henry.

            "(Kovalenko) has performed very well in the 200 IM," Kalnoski said. "Sean is             having a great year so far."