Vaqueros post nine wins to take WSC No. 2

The Vaqueros are off to a flying start, going 8-0 in their first two Western State Conference meets. (Photo by Ken Sciallo / Sevilla Photography)
The Vaqueros are off to a flying start, going 8-0 in their first two Western State Conference meets. (Photo by Ken Sciallo / Sevilla Photography)

Kristina Hill, Addison Seale and Alex Humann all recorded double wins on Saturday, leading SBCC to an easy victory in WSC women's swim meet No. 2, hosted by the Vaqueros at San Marcos High.

The Vaqueros won nine events and totaled 171 points. L.A. Pierce was a distant second in the five-team field with 61 points. Canyons was third with 57. Santa Barbara, the defending WSC champion, leads the conference with a perfect 8-0 record.

Hill won the 500 and 1000 freestyle despite being under the weather. Seale took the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM while Humann won the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle. Halie Johnson was second in the 200 free.

"Hill was incredibly sick but she showed her dedication," said coach Chuckie Roth. "She still wanted to swim for her team. She turned in two impressive firsts and was part of the winning 400 free relay." Seale led off the 400 free relay, followed by Johnson, Hill and Kendra Carr. They clocked 4:01.33.

Roth said the Vaqueros were inspired by the appearance of former All-Americans Maddie Brooks and Emily Foster.

"They came to cheer on the current team," noted Roth. "Both of these girls laid a foundation of excellence and dedication which has been passed down from season to season."

Reese Ellestad won the 100 free in 56.10 and was second in the 100 back. The Vaqueros' 200 medley relay team was also victorious in 2:00.16.

Tessa Brinkman took fifth in the 1000 free and seventh in the 500 free.

"Tessa swam her best times in those long races," Roth stated. "She won the the 'Year-Around Commitment' award last season. Her hard work and dedication to the program is paying off. She is a dedicated student-athlete who will help lead this team in our effort to capture the WSC championship."

Roth also praised Anna Manfreda, who swam season bests in the 200 free (2:13.71, 4th place) and the 100 back (1:09.71, 6th). Charissa Dorn also recorded PRs in the 50 free (29.94) and 100 back (1:15.94).

The Vaqueros will swim in WSC No. 3 on Friday, April 1 at Cuesta, starting at 2:30 p.m.