Mira Costa Girls Swim Team Goes Undefeated in Bay League

The Mira Costa varsity girls swim team placed first (484 pts) in the Bay League finals this past Friday at the new Redondo Union High School pool, while the varsity boys managed to edge out Redondo by a close 11-point margin (347-336) for a third place finish to end the season. The frosh/soph boys and girls squads finished in first place, as well. 

There were numerous notable Mustangs achievements to note. Among them, the varsity girls' undefeated season was a first in coach Dan Bartlett’s 12-year reign. 

Marisa Purcell, who won each of her two individual events, the 100 Free (0:53.57) and 100 Backstroke (0:59.43), automatically qualified for CIF Southern Section Division I prelims.  

Natalie Lavinsky, who was victorious in the 50 Free (0:25.17), qualified for a consideration seat at CIF. 

Lavinsky and Purcell were victorious in both relay appearances, the 200 Free relay (1:42.34) and 400 Free relay (3:40.77). 

In the second to last event at the meet, the varsity girls relay team, consisting of Akemi Aiello, Lavinsky, Meriel Mitsakos, and Purcell, became overwhelmed with joy upon learning they had just set a new school record.

The record was set in the 400 Free relay (3:40.77), breaking the previous record that was recorded in 1981.

Although the varsity boys were left fighting for a third place finish to stay on top of rival Redondo, there were some highly anticipated events to watch.

Senior Erik Yan, who had previously broken the school record for the 100 Fly (0:52.18) two days prior at league prelims, was looking to shatter the league record (0:51.84) as top seed in his heat.

At the start of the varsity boys 100 Fly event, Yan entered the water at an off angle and trailed most of the race in second and third place. However, it was his endurance and sheer will to win that pushed him to out touch his rival Redondo swimmer at the finish for a first place finish (0:52.57).

Yan was the only boy to automatically qualify for an individual event at CIF.  

However, fellow teammates Michaell Brown (100 Breast 1:03.74) and Mario Nieto (200 Individual Medley 1:03.74 and 100 Back 0:58.55), along with Yan (50 Free 0:22.30) all qualified for consideration CIF seats.

“We are in a new era,” said coach Dan Bartlett. “Ten years ago I would be ecstatic to have a varsity boy break a minute in the 100 Fly or to see a sub 54 (seconds) in the 100 Free. Now we have some impressive boys posting phenomenal times.”

“The girls team has been truly amazing, combining their depth with incredible hard work. This was a special season to be apart of,” said Bartlett.

CIF Southern Section Prelims begin Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool in Long Beach. Finals will be held Saturday, May 14 at p.m. at the same site. Gates open for spectator admission 30 minutes before the meet. Cash-only tickets are $7 general admission and $5 for high school students with ID and children 13 and under. General admission tickets for finals go for $8 and $5 for high schoolers with ID and kids 13 and under. Daily parking passes cost $6 and can be purchased from pool staff. Parking meters cost 25 cents for 15 minutes Friday and Saturday and are enforced until 6 p.m.