Abby Hansen of the Purple Tonrado swims the backstroke in Thursday’s home meet for Norwich. Hansen captured a first place finish in the event as the Tonrado won the season’s first meet. (Keith Lanfear Photo)

NORWICH – Tornado head coach Saundra Gantt mixed up her lineup for the first meet of the season, placing most of the team in off events for Thursday’s meet against Windsor. The move didn’t harm the team in any way as the Tornado swam to a 99-66 victory over the Black Knights.

“We have a big meet next weekend [the Waverly Invitational] and this meet was just an extension of our training to get ready for it,” said the Norwich coach. “I also wanted to guage where some of our swimmers might fit into the lineup.

New Tornado team member Abby Hansen – who has experience in the pool from her days as Norwich YMCA Dolphins swimmer, raced like she never took a break from the sport. The former soccer player made her return the pool a promising one as she claimed a first place finish in both the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard backstroke.

“I’m excited to have [Abby] back in the pool with the team,” said Gantt.