Parson sparks Vaqueros to first-day lead in WSC Championships

Sarah Parson held her breath to secure a victory in the 50 freestyle and the 400 medley relay held off Ventura as SBCC grabbed the first-day lead in the WSC women's swimming & diving championships at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

SBCC is seeking its fifth straight WSC title and has 105 straight WSC wins.

The Vaqueros totalled 165 points and have a 28-point lead over Santa Monica in the 10-team field. Cuesta is third (131) and Ventura and L.A. Valley are tied for fourth at 120.

Parson won the 50 free in 24.71 (No. 4 in school history) and swam on two winning relays -- the 200 free and 400 medley. The 400 medley relay clocked 4:07.52 for the No. 2 time in school history with Haunani Bautista swimming the anchor 100 free and beating Ventura by 0.54 of a second. Kelee Shimizu was second in the 500 free and Lily Riley took fourth.

"I was super proud of our team today," said coach Chuckie Roth. "The girls were a true team and supported each other along the way. Parson's 50 free was a great race and she did not even breathe on the last lap.

"The 400 medley relay was super exciting and it brought together the girls for a really amazing hold-on win. Ventura closed on us in the last lap and Haunani Bautista held on for the win. The 200 free relay was an amazing come-from-behind win with Hana Wigzell having a monster second leg.

"Everyone stepped up today and improved their times and places. We have our work cut out for us tomorrow AM (Friday). Other teams are swimming well and we have some big challenges."