MISSION VIEJO A record-setting current and a resurgent power swept through the Capistrano Valley swim relays Saturday, raising hopes that special times could arrive later in the spring.
Four teams combined to set nine meet records in 14 events, prompting meet director Steve Yancey of Capistrano Valley to call the meet “by far” the fastest in its 33-year history.
Santa Margarita’s top-ranked girls blazed to meet records in the 300-yard freestyle, 400 freestyle and 200 medley relays en route to the team title.
University’s resurgent, No. 6 boys took a different route to their surprising title. The former CIF-SS Division 1 champion didn’t win a relay but used their depth to edge top-ranked Santa Margarita, 194-188, and overcome a disqualification in prelims.
“We didn’t really give up and gave it the best team effort we could,” University’s Andrew Knoell said.
Mater Dei’s boys were in contention for the crown but were stung by a disqualification in the meet-ending medley relay and finished fourth behind Corona del Mar.
Dana Hills’ boys supplied four meet records. The Dolphins established standards in the 300 free relay, 400 free relay, 200 medley relay and 200 butterfly.
Dana Hills’ 300 free relay of Trent Pellini (lifetime-best 20.69 leadoff), Adam Cole (21.08), Michael Smith (20.95), Jake Ward (21.43), Jack McLaughlin (21.21) and anchor Owen Kao (20.83) blazed to a time of 2 minutes, 6.19 seconds. The Dolphins smashed their record from the prelims by more than three seconds.
Dana Hills also impressed with meet records in the 400 free (3:06.15) and 200 medley (1:33.61).
“They’re competitive, they’re gamers and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season and CIF because this group is special,” Dana Hills coach Matt Rosa said.
Santa Margarita’s girls also left Capistrano Valley excited about their season.
The Eagles closed with meet records in the 400 free (3:23.88) and 200 medley (1:46.50) relays.
In the 400, the team of freshman Ella Ristic (51.00), sophomore Mackenzie Degn (51.44), freshman Anicka Delgado (50.47) and junior Samantha Shelton (50.97) broke their record from prelims by just over four seconds.
“We have so many fast freshmen this year, it’s insane,” said Shelton, who anchored three winning relays. “Our goal this year is to break the national record in the 4×100 free, so we’re shooting for that. Since we did so well (last) year, we’re always building off that and the excitement we got from CIF.”
The Eagles’ 300 free relay of Delgado, Jeni Griffin, Allison Plamondon, Marriott Hoffmann, Degn and Shelton sliced about two seconds off its meet record from prelims with a 3:23.61. Delgado led off with a 23.78, just off Ayla Spitz’s 23.74 for Newport Harbor.
Mater Dei’s boys 200 breaststroke and Tesoro’s girls 200 breatstroke also set records.
Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com
