Santa Margarita’s girls swim team was unsure early in the season about where its new depth would come from after graduating several seniors last year.
The Eagles now know.
The reigning CIF-SS Division 1 champion has been buoyed by five freshmen.
“A strong freshman class has really helped us out,” Santa Margarita co-coach Rich Blanc said. “We lost seven seniors last year who qualified for CIF. That would usually (mean) a rebuilding year but we got a lot of freshmen.”
Freshmen Samantha Shelton, Isabelle Odgers, Bela Patino, Amy Qin and Marriott Hoffmann are each swimming varsity and four raced on winning teams as the Eagles captured the Millikan Southern Section Relays on Saturday.
“This year, the depth is even better than last year,” said Santa Margarita co-coach Ron Blanc, whose team plays host to Mater Dei on Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. “We’re doing better than what we were expecting.”
There are several other county freshmen creating waves. Corona del Mar’s Eva Merrell set school records last week in the 100-yard butterfly (54.26) and 100 backstroke (56.20). …
Laguna Beach’s Erik Juliusson delivered a strong performance at the Mission Viejo Invitational on Saturday. The Purdue-bound senior won the 100 free (45.91) and 200 individual medley (1:49.68). He now ranks 12th in county history in the individual medley. …
First-year JSerra coach Kevin Clements said growing his program’s roster depth is his top goal. “This year, we don’t even field a frosh-soph because we just don’t have the numbers,” said Clements, also the school’s aquatics director. “(And I want to) try to transcend and grab more of the water polo players to come over. I think that’s going to help us the most.” …
Dana Hills’ boys will be seeking their first victory against Capistrano Valley since 2007 when it races Tuesday at the defending South Coast League champion.
