Vaqueros capture WSC No. 2 with 98% best times

Hana Wigzell piled up 22 points and Haunani Bautista had an outstanding season debut on Saturday as SBCC captured WSC swimming & diving meet No. 2 at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

The Vaqueros totaled 124 points to top the 10-team field by 52 points. Cuesta was second at 72 and L.A. Valley took third with 66.

Santa Barbara cracked the century mark in consecutive WSC wins, going 9-0 to extend its five-year streak to 101 in a row.

Wigzell, a freshman from Sandy, Oregon, recorded a first, second and third in the 200 free (2:08.32), 200 back (2:26.58) and 400 IM (5:05.42), respectively. Bautista placed second in the 1000 freestyle, third in the 500 free and led off the winning 400 free relay.

"We swam great, we had a 98% best-time performance on the season," said coach Chuckie Roth. "We competed very well. For this team, it is all about depth and each person contributing to the overall team win.

"The highlight of the day was Haunani Bautista. She broke her ankle in December and was not expected to compete this year. Saturday was her first performance of the season and she was great. She is a true inspiration and will keep improving as her ankle gains strength and flexibility."

Kelee Shimizu captured the 500 free (5:30.16) and 1000 free in 11:27.83, the No. 2 time in school history. Sarah Parson was second in the 200 breast (2:41.28).

"Hana Wigzell had a phenomenal performance," Roth added. "She is going to have a great season and will surprise a lot of people at the end of the season. She is a tough kid and works hard. I am very proud of her."

The Vaqueros will make their only home appearance of the season in two weeks when they host WSC No. 3 on Friday, March 29 at San Marcos High, starting at 10:30 a.m.