Mira Costa Swims Past West Toward League Prelims

In their final league meet last Thursday, the Mira Costa boys and girls swim teams defeated West High, the girls on a score of 122-36, the boys, 115-33.

For the girls, their undefeated Bay League record (4-0) is a feat no other Mira Costa team has accomplished in coach Dan Bartlett's 12 years with the Mustangs.

For the boys, the victory was their first this season.

Now, both teams move on to Bay League prelims at Redondo Union on Wednesday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

“This is the first time we have gone undefeated in my 12-year coaching career,” said Bartlett. “I couldn’t be happier and am looking forward to how our girls do against rival Peninsula in league finals.”

Against West, the girls dominated the lanes, sweeping the first through third place positions in five races: the 50 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free, 200 Individual Medley, and the 400 Free relay.

Sophomore Meriel Mitsakos grabbed three first place victories with very impressive times, the 200 Free (1:59.62), 500 Free (5:21.32), and the fastest leg of the 4x100 Free relay (0:57 flat).

Senior Kelly Brown swam the fastest legs in the two remaining relay events, the 200 Medley relay (0:26.20) and the 4x50 Free relay (0:26.12).

Viewing the meet as preparation for the approaching Bay League prelims and finals, Bartlett allowed his swimmers to “swim free” and pick their own events for this final home face-off against West.

The arrangement worked for the boys team as they achieved their first victory of the season.

“I was a little nervous after the first relay, but then the boys got it together and posted some great times,”  said Bartlett.

Senior Erik Yan took an early lead in the 100 Fly (0:54.09) while also securing victory in both relays and swimming the fastest legs in each respectively; the 4x100 Free (0:51.07) and the 4x50 Free (0:23.65)

Senior Mario Nieto grabbed wins in both of his solo events; the 100 Breast (1:04.61) and the 200 IM (2:06.89).

The boys team heads into league finals in fourth place, but Bartlett isn't concerned.

“The team can place as high as second overall by winning at league or even placing second and edging out current second place team Palos Verdes,” he said.

Bartlett attributes this possibility to the fourth scoring swimmer he will have in each event and because league finals are worth double the point value.

On Friday, Bartlett and the entire team ventured to the Pacific Ocean for a team meeting and practice.

“The beach workout is the perfect place to begin preparing for what lies ahead," he said. "A lot of our athletes are swimming tired and an ocean workout will allow our swimmers to begin active rest. The cold water will be good on their overworked muscles and is a perfect workout strategy heading into leagues."