Bears Earn Big Wins at Westminster with Depth and Determination
The Cambridge Bears made a statement at the Westminster meet on December 9, 2025, with dominant swims and strong team finishes. The girls' team captured first place overall with 163 points, while the boys secured second with 113 points, combining for an impressive showing against one of the state's toughest programs.
The girls' 200-medley relay team of Charlotte Weeter, Alana Drevet, Leila Kader, and Caroline Garijo opened the meet with a decisive win in 2:01.49, while the boys' A-relay of Brighton Damm, Shane Merrill, Aneesh Ayyagari, and Tate Robertson battled to third in 2:01.63. The Bears continued their relay dominance as the boys' 200-free relay squad—Oscar Ryzhkov, Brian Guy, Bryson Mynatt, and Jax Jackson—stormed to first in 1:33.45, and the girls' A-relay of Audrey Lampa, Molly Melchiors, Abby Salvia, and Casey Chingirian claimed gold in 1:51.25. The meet closed with thrilling 400-free relays: the girls' A-team of Weeter, Garijo, Drevet, and Chingirian took first in 3:57.43, while the boys' A-team finished second in 3:33.38.
Individual events showcased the Bears' depth and speed. In the 200 freestyle, Jax Jackson surged to second with a 1:54.68, while Bryson Mynatt earned fifth with a new best time. Casey Chingirian led the girls with a commanding win in 2:06.77, followed by Abby Salvia in second and Audrey Lampa in fourth. The 200 IM saw Brighton Damm claim silver with a new best time, and Campen Dawes set a personal record in fifth. On the girls' side, Alana Drevet took gold in 2:26.36, with Caroline Garijo third and Christine McVicker eighth.
Sprint events were electric. Charlotte Weeter dominated the 50 free in 26.12, while Brian Guy touched third for the boys. In the 100 butterfly, Leila Kader thrilled the crowd with a first-place finish, and Mihika Ayyagari earned bronze with a new best time. Aaryan Dubey also posted a personal best in the boys' fly. The 100 free featured Brian Guy in third, while Avi Saxena and Shane Merrill both achieved new best times. For the girls, Alexis Walkenhorst and Meg Carrizal battled for top spots, with Carrizal setting a new personal record, and Ella Fajen also dropping time for her best swim yet.
The distance races were a showcase of endurance, with Jackson and Damm going one-two in the boys' 500 free, and Leila Kader powering to first for the girls with a new best time, followed by Alana Drevet and Emily Lewis. Backstroke and breaststroke events added to the medal haul: Oscar Ryzhkov captured gold in the 100 back, while Caroline Garijo topped the girls' field with a new best time. Abby Salvia and Meg Carrizal also set personal records in the backstroke. In the 100 breast, Molly Melchiors dominated with a first-place finish, a new best time, and a state qualifying mark—an incredible trifecta. Charlotte Weeter added bronze, and Shane Merrill posted a new best time for the boys.
Diving brought its own excitement as Mylon Sriganesha soared to first place with 101.50 points, giving the Bears an early boost in team scoring.
From start to finish, the Bears displayed depth, versatility, and heart, racking up wins and personal bests across the board. With such a strong showing, the team heads into championship season with confidence and momentum. Go Bears!
