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Women's Swimming & Diving

Chen leads Mt. SAC Women’s swim team at double dual meet; Wins three individual events

Mt. SAC Women's Swimmer doing the butterfly stroke
Photo Courtesy of DavesSportsImage
Posted: Apr 30, 2021

(Walnut, CA) After just over a year out of the pool, the Mt. SAC Women's Swim team was back in action.

The Mounties hosted a double-dual meet in the first official scoring event with a win over Santa Monica (149-125) and a loss to Bakersfield (153-114) at the Marie T. Mills Aquatics Center Friday (April 30).

Santa Monica and Bakersfield tied with a score of 134-134.

Mt. SAC visited Cuesta College last Friday (April 24) in a non-scoring event against Bakersfield, Allan Hancock and host Cuesta.

"The women did a great job," Mt. SAC Assistant coach Lani Ruh said. "A couple of the women competed in distances further than they had before, such as the 200 breaststroke, and adjusted phenomenally.

"Our first-time college swimmers have been a pleasure to work with and have been improving each swim. We did leave some points "on the table." We had a couple of relay DQ's, but are pleased to come away with a win and some great experiences. We are looking forward to our next meet."

Sophomore Valerie Chen came away with three first's overall in the 100 Breastroke (1:14.18), 50 Butterfly (28.48) and the 200 Breaststroke (2:38.81). She was also part of the first-place 200 Free Relay team, also consisting of Julia De La Garza, Melissa Chavez and Isabell Ortega. The team swam a time of 1:50.89.

"Chen, who was a top contender in the state in our canceled season, is picking up right where she left off last year, Ruh said. "She has been a great leader and is responding well to our meet format."

Chen also finished second in the 500 Free.

The other Mountie with a first-place finish was freshman Melissa Chavez in the 50-yard Breaststroke with a time of 34.94. She also placed second in the 100 Individual Medley and the 200 Breast and third in the 50 Free.

It was a long day for the swimmers, as they made the four-hour bus trip to San Luis Obispo and returned the same day after a long day of competition.

The Mounties host another double dual at the Marie T. Mills Aquatics Center Friday (May 7). Visiting teams will be Ventura and Santa Monica colleges.

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Swimming and Diving on Twitter @MTSAC_W_Aquatic

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.

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