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Non-Public Swimming Sectional Finals Preview: Upsets Loom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 19:01 GMT by NJ.com
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

By [Your Name] | NJ.com

As the Non-Public swimming sectional finals approach this Monday, February 14th, 2026, the stage is set for a thrilling display of athleticism and competitive spirit. Several programs enter the meets as clear favorites, but lurking beneath the surface are potential upsets and compelling individual matchups that could dramatically reshape the landscape of New Jersey high school swimming. This preview dives deeper into the key storylines, spotlighting the teams and athletes expected to contend for titles and analyze the potential for surprises across both the boys' and girls' competitions.

Girls' Competition: Upset Potential in Group A & Paul VI's Reign Challenged

The girls' competition promises a particularly exciting day, especially in Group A. Defending champions Villa Walsh enter as the top seed, a position earned through consistent strong performances throughout the season. However, Dwight-Englewood is widely considered a genuine threat to their title defense. The Hornets boast a powerful duo in seniors Ava Thompson and Jenna DiMarco, athletes poised to make significant contributions in multiple events. Their success hinges not only on individual brilliance, but also on a coordinated team effort that can maximize points across the board. Dwight-Englewood's Katie Smith adds another dimension to their challenge; her explosive speed in the sprint events could be crucial in securing valuable points. The relays will undoubtedly be a critical battleground, with both teams expected to push each other to the limit.

In Group B, the established power of Paul VI faces a serious challenge from Bishop Eustace Prep. Paul VI has enjoyed a long period of dominance, built on depth and consistent team performance. However, Bishop Eustace is coming into the meet with momentum and a star performer in Sophie Rodriguez. Rodriguez's talent has already garnered state-level recognition, and she's expected to be a major contender in multiple individual events. The Eagles will need a strong supporting cast to complement Rodriguez's efforts if they hope to dethrone the long-reigning champions. The contrast in styles - Paul VI's collective strength versus Bishop Eustace's star-powered approach - makes this group particularly intriguing.

Boys' Competition: Delbarton's Dominance & St. Augustine's Pursuit of Continued Success

On the boys' side, the outlook appears more straightforward in Group A. Delbarton is heavily favored to secure the championship, a position bolstered by their exceptional depth and a roster brimming with talent. Junior Michael Marinelli is the cornerstone of the Green Wave's team, expected to lead the charge with standout performances in his signature events. However, dismissing Bergen Catholic would be a mistake. While they face a steep uphill battle against Delbarton's all-around strength, a near-flawless performance from the Crusaders could certainly make for a much closer contest than anticipated. Bergen Catholic's success will depend on maximizing points in key events and capitalizing on any potential missteps by Delbarton.

Group B features a similar dynamic, with St. Augustine Prep looking to continue its streak of strong performances. The team has consistently demonstrated its ability to perform under pressure, making them the clear frontrunners. Salesianum represents the most credible threat to St. Augustine's dominance. While they may not have the same depth as their rivals, Salesianum possesses a talented roster capable of challenging in multiple events and keeping the pressure on throughout the meet. The competition between these two schools is expected to be intense, with every point potentially making the difference.

Looking Ahead: Key Storylines and What to Watch For

Beyond the team battles, several individual matchups and overarching storylines will captivate audiences on Monday. The potential for an upset in the girls' Group A competition is a major talking point, with Dwight-Englewood poised to challenge Villa Walsh's established reign. The showdown between Sophie Rodriguez of Bishop Eustace and the team-oriented approach of Paul VI in Group B will also be a compelling narrative.

On the boys' side, the question of whether St. Augustine Prep can maintain its dominance in Group B will be closely watched. Any significant individual performances, particularly from emerging talents, could reshape the landscape of New Jersey high school swimming and propel these athletes onto the state stage.

The complete seeding information, detailing each swimmer's event assignments and preliminary heat placements, will provide further insight into the competitive dynamics of each group. Likewise, understanding the previous meet records and notable performances will contextualize the current season's achievements and highlight athletes on track to potentially break longstanding records.

Monday's sectional finals are poised to deliver a day of thrilling competition, unexpected twists, and the crowning of new champions.