Edison downs Newport Harbor decisively

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Edison's No. 4 boys swim team knew the controversy involving No. 5 Newport Harbor on Tuesday.

The host Chargers made sure an upset didn't become part of the plot for the teams' Sunset League showdown.

Edison produced three first-second finishes en route to capturing 7 of the 11 events and posting a 97.5-72.5 victory against the Sailors, who raced without 10th-year coach Jason Lynch.

On Monday, Newport Harbor principal Michael Vossen said that Lynch would not coach at the school until further notice because of an undisclosed personnel matter.

Lynch also coaches Newport Harbor's powerhouse boys water polo program.

OCVarsity Hot Shots: Tuesday's swimming action

Edison (7-0, 3-0) played the role of juggernaut Tuesday.

The Chargers received first-second finishes by Brent Bazzell (23.09 seconds) and Brian Ely (23.35) in the 50-yard freestyle, Michael Hauss (4:50.49) and Tony Morelli (4:56.70) in the 500 free and James Barker (57.85) and Clay Arnold (59.53) in the 100 backstroke to seize control of the meet.

In each of the three races, Edison's second-place swimmer out-touched his Newport Harbor rival for the runner-up points.

The Chargers also a nice touch in the 200 IM from Lane 7 and Nate Sfreddo, who rallied to grab third place in 2:08.63.

"We knew that they were probably going to be tough to beat but we got it going," said Edison junior Josh Smith, who captured the 200 individual medley (automatic Division 1 qualifying 1:58.32) and 100 free (48.10).

"We all stepped up to the plate. ... We're stoked for (the league meet)."

Edison would have won by more points, but its 400 free A relay was disqualified because a swimmer had two suits on.

Hauss also captured the 200 freestyle in 1:45.40.

Ryan Fowler captured the 100 butterfly (56.50) and 100 breaststroke (1:03.62) for Newport Harbor (2-1, 2-1).

The junior said the news regarding Lynch came as a surprise Monday.

"It's definitely rough," Fowler said. "This definitely wasn't expected. A lot of guys are in a little in awe. ... We weren't exactly really fired up to swim."

Assistant Corey Delahunt coached the Newport Harbor in Lynch's absence. Delahunt thought the squad performed well considering the cirumstanes.

"Edison is a very, very strong team," he said. "They've got a lot of depth. They out-touched us in a lot of races but all in all, I'm proud of my boys. They swam well and they've got to continue to work."

Ellie Morrissey won the 200 IM (2:08.88) and 100 fly (58.62) in automatic Division 1 qualifying times to lead the Edison's No. 1 girls past Newport Harbor, 116-53.

Edison's Alli Gillespie also was a double-winner, taking the 50 free (25.27) and 200 free (1:57.53).

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com