Vaqueros claim season-opening WSC Preview; extend WSC streak to 123 straight

Annie Ackert and Hana Wigzell led the charge for SBCC as the Vaqueros claimed the WSC Preview swimming and diving title on Friday at the Ventura Aquatic Center.

The Vaqueros only won one individual event with Myra Smulders taking the 100-yard freestyle in 56.80. SBCC captured both relays -- the 200 medley and 200 free -- and had a plethora of top-6 finishes.

SBCC topped the 10-team field with 329 points, extending its WSC win streak to 123 in a row. Cuesta was second at 272, followed by Bakersfield (244), Ventura (219.5) and Hancock (214).

Allison Kay, a freshman from Roseville, Calif., had the second-best individual performance with a second place in the grueling 500 freestyle in 6:02.30.

Ackert, a freshman from Santa Ynez High, was third in the 100 free in 59.75, fourth in the 50 free in 27.26 and fifth in the 100 backstroke in 1:11.86.

Wigzell, one of three sophomores on the roster, posted two fourths (100 back, 200 IM), a fifth in the 100 butterfly in 1:06.99 and also led off both winning relays. Haunani Bautista was third in the 100 fly in 1:04.23 and fourth in the 200 free in 2:06.26.

The Vaqueros took the meet-opening 200 medley relay in 2:00.62 with a team of Wigzell, Smulders, Bautista and Ackert. They also won the 200 free relay by nearly two seconds in 1:46.49 with Wigzell, Bautista, Smulders and Ackert.

"It was a great first outing," said seventh-year coach Chuckie Roth, who's guided his team to a sparkling 241-19 record and 123 straight WSC victories. "Newcomer Myra Smulders swam so well in each of her races. Haunani Bautista is back from her ankle injury last year and swimming very well.

"Hana Wigzell was our top scorer in the state championships last year. She placed in the top 4 of each of her events. Several newcomers also made a splash in Allison Kay and Annie Ackert."

"I'm really excited to get back to practice on Monday. I feel like the meet showed some of our strengths and areas for growth."

The Vaqueros return to the pool next Friday in WSC No. 1 on Valentine's Day at Citrus College.