RICHMOND, Va. – Abigail Voce, a member of the Greater Chenango Aquatics Team (GCAT), recently competed in the Eastern Zones Championships in Virginia.

Voce, who will enter the eighth grade this fall, competed in the 50 free, 50 butterfly, 100 freestyle, and the 200 and 400 medley relays as a member of the Adirondack Zone team.

Voce qualified for the Eastern Zones last month at the Long Course Championships held at Colgate University. She met the qualifying times at Colgate with the highest possible classification. "We were talking about going to Eastern Zones early in the season, but Abby was reluctant, at first," said GCAT head coach Saundra Gantt. "The Adirondack team treats its swimmers like Olympians. Once Abby starting sweeping her events at the long course, we re-approached the subject of her going to the Eastern Zones."

There was red tape to clear for Voce to gain a spot at Eastern Zones, and in the end, her outstanding times earned her a spot.