The Register’s look at the top five girls swimmers in the county headed into the season.
TOP 5 SWIMMERS TO WATCH
Elise Garcia, Crean Lutheran: The sophomore sprinter could join the elite 22-second club in the 50-yard free. She also sizzled a 53.25 in the butterfly at a club meet in December.
Cami Hidalgo, Capistrano Valley: The junior diver is the two-time defending CIF Division 1 champion.
Aislinn Light, Mater Dei: The Cal-bound senior could break the 50-second barrier in the 100 free and challenge for the CIF Division 1 title in the backstroke.
Courtney Mykkanen, Foothill: The Cal-bound senior also is a standout backstroker but look out for her 200 IM. She recently clocked a 2:01.18 at a club meet. Also watch for JSerra’s Katie Glavinovich and Tesoro’s Jessica Epps in the 200 IM.
Samantha Shelton, Santa Margarita: Shelton was overshadowed by teammate Katie McLaughlin last season but don’t forget she clocked a 1:46.39 in the 200 free as a freshman. She posted a 1:45.50 in December at a club meet, faster than Sippy Woodhead’s old county record.
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GIRLS PREVIEW
- Swimming preview: Tesoro girls look to build on success
- Girls swimming preview: O.C. top 10
- Girls swimming preview: Top five O.C. swimmers to watch
- Shoults, Santa Margarita open season with strong efforts
- Girls swimming preview: Other O.C. swimmers to watch
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Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com