Parson takes fourth in season-opening WSC Pentathlon

Sarah Parson placed in the top seven in four events on Friday and finished fourth in the WSC Pentathlon women's swimming event at the Ventura Aquatic Center.

Caitlin Hecker of L.A. Valley was the winner of the season-opening pentathlon, which combines five 100-yard events. She won four events and totaled 94 points. Sofia Terry of Cuesta was second with 73 points, Maggie Ewens of Santa Monica was third at 71 and Parson took fourth with 63 points.

Parson, a sophomore from Arroyo Grande, was second in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:14.26), fourth in the 100 IM (1:06.82), sixth in the 100 back (1:08.50) and seventh in the 100 free (59.07).

Kelee Shimizu posted a pair of fourths in the 100 butterfly (1:04.60) and 100 freestyle (57.88). Hana Wigzell was 9th in the 100 IM, 11th in the 100 free, 12th in the 100 back and 13th in the 100 butterfly.

"I thought it was a good first outing to see where we're at," said sixth-year coach Chuckie Roth. "However I learned that we have a lot of work to do. We will improve and get better. I was impressed with the swims of Tori Bray. She will help our depth in the backstroke events. Also Emma Fraser had a good day. It is time to train and find little areas for improvement ."

The Vaqueros went 37-2 in the regular season last year, won their fourth straight WSC title with a 25-0 record and placed seventh in the state.

SBCC has a 179-15 record in its first five swimming and diving seasons and has finished eighth, fourth, fourth and seventh in the state the last four years.

The Vaqueros will compete in the Mt. SAC Invitational on Feb. 21-22.

WSC Pentathlon Final Standings
                                                           Points
1. Caitlin Hecker (Hancock)                94
2. Sofia Terry (Cuesta)                         73
3. Maggie Ewens (Santa Monica)       71
4. Sarah Parson (SBCC)                       63
5. Shayna Simmer (Santa Monica)    62
6. Izzie Fraire (Hancock)                      57.5