Vaqueros stretch lead to 123 on Day 2 of WSC Championships

SBCC didn't have any individual wins on Friday but still managed to expand its lead to 123 points on Day 2 of the WSC women's swimming & diving championships at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

The Vaqueros won the 200 medley relay in 1:53.12 with a team of Hana Wigzell, Sarah Parson, Paige Awtrey and Haunani Bautista. The 800 free relay took second behind Bakersfield.

The Vaqueros, seeking their fifth straight WSC crown, lead the three-day meet with 431 points. Cuesta is second with 308, followed by Bakersfield (278), Santa Monica (273) and Hancock (248).

"Everyone is performing great," stated SBCC coach Chuckie Roth. "Kelee Shimizu has been so tough. She is super sick and having breathing trouble but racing for the team. Although she is struggling with illness, she is a great source of inspiration. Everyone is stepping up and finding big swims."

The Vaqueros went 2-3 in the 400 IM and 2-3-5 in the 200 free. Wigzell was second in the 400 IM in 4:50.30 and Emily Reilly took third. Shimizu was second in the 200 free (1:57.67), Bautista was third (2:04.50) and Lily Riley placed fifth (2:07.12).

Parson was fourth in the 100 breast in 1:08.45 and Daniela Garza took sixth. Awetry was sixth in the 100 back in 1:06.18 and Emma Fraser finished eighth.

"Erika Muehring swam a great backstroke and Hana and Emily swam a fantastic 400 IM," said Roth. "We had monster splits in the 200 medley relay and Paige swam great. Garza was huge too. Honestly, everyone stepped up today.

"I'm looking forward to my last day coaching some of these girls, they're an amazing group. So kind, fun, caring, responsible and coachable. I am very lucky."

The 10 teams will compete in the final day of competition on Saturday.