Vaqueros in ninth after first day of State Championships

The 200 free relay placed seventh on Thursday and SBCC is tied for ninth after Day 1 of the CCCAA Women's State Swimming & Diving Championships at De Anza College in Cupertino.

The Vaqueros clocked 1:42.10 in the meet-opening 200 free relay, finishing 3.42 seconds behind the winner, San Diego Mesa.

SBCC has nine swimmers competing in the three-day meet, which features swimmers and divers from 36 schools.

Defending state champion Orange Coast is first with 174 points, followed by Diablo Valley (116), San Diego Mesa (111) and Las Positas (92). The Vaqueros have 51 points and they're tied for ninth with Ventura.

"I was really proud of the improvement on Day 1," said coach Chuckie Roth. "We started a little slow but got better as the evening progressed."

Kelee Shimizu took 10th in the 500 free (5:22.94) and Sarah Parson was 11th in the 50 free (25.11).

The 400 medley relay was 10th and Shimizu swam a huge anchor freestyle leg of 53.28. Hana Wigzell, Parson, Haunani Bautista and Shimizu swam the second-fastest time in school history (4:07.43).

"Our team is battling some illness and adversity but I love their desire to compete regardless of the obstacles," said Roth. "I think we will get much better as the meet progresses. Tomorrow is a big day for us points-wise and we're looking to improve on the first day.

"The highlight of the day was Kelee Shimizu's monster anchor leg in the 400 medley relay. She made up two body-lengths and almost touched out Santa Rosa. I love my team's heart and it will continue to grow."