Greyhounds on the homestretch

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Naugatuck’s Alexio Valente competes in the 200 medley relay during a swim meet against Holy Cross on Jan. 27. The Greyhounds have four meets left in the regular season before the NVL championship meet. -CHRISTOPHER MASSA/REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck boys swim team has found out a lot about itself this season.

The Greyhounds (6-2, 5-1 NVL) found out they can go toe to toe with two-time defending Naugatuck Valley League champion Holy Cross (8-1, 8-0 NVL) in a tough 94-92 loss in late January.

As the Greyhounds head into the final stretch before the NVL championship meet, they will learn more about where they stand by week’s end.

Naugatuck will take on Sacred Heart (7-2, 5-1 NVL) on Wednesday and visit Seymour (6-2, 5-1 NVL) on Friday.

The Greyhounds, under head coach Jim McKee, look to have all the tools in the shed to put up a legitimate fight for the NVL crown. They are surrounded by go-to guys in certain events and guys who can take on the responsibility of three and four events, with decent results.

Evan Bombery has shown he is a top producer in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle. Omari Solomon is the top man in the backstroke and can bring it in the 50 freestyle. Brian Goggin has the speed and the endurance to put up competitive numbers in the 50, 100 and 500 freestyle.

Robert Spino is the 100 butterfly guy with P.J. Morrissey showing good times in the 200 IM. Spencer Maher, Morrissey and Matt Goggin have all put up solid times in the 500 freestyle, and Eric Cruz and Grady Beasley give the Greyhounds a solid one-two punch in diving.

McKee has been saying all along that his team has three to four swimmers in each event, which will make Naugatuck a tough team to beat once the postseason rolls around.

Naugatuck shook off the loss to Holy Cross by getting up early on Torrington and cruising to a 93-84 win Feb. 1.

Brian Goggin led the way winning the 200 freestyle (1:57.91) and the 500 freestyle (5:25.20) against the Raiders.

The Greyhounds showed their versatility versus Torrington. Maher won the 100 butterfly (59.10) and Bombery raced to victory in the 100 freestyle (50.55).

Naugatuck will finish out the regular season next week against Watertown on Feb. 14 and Masuk on Feb. 17.