Pitman High’s girls swim team handedly defeated Buhach Colony High on Friday 104-66 but there was some controversy regarding the outcome of the boys’ competition, which ended with a score of 83-83 in the Thunder’s favor. Disagreements regarding a false start during a boys race turned Pitman’s final swim meet of the season into a contested one, which will need to be resolved by league officials before the Central California Conference meets later this week. Even without the contention, however, the meet between the Pride and the Thunder is still not done as the diving events, which are worth 13 team points, remain to be completed.
“We pretty much expected to win,” Pitman’s girls head coach Michaela Solario said.
With swimmers like Leanna Jasek and Emma Burke it’s easy to see why the Pride’s girls team would be so confident. Jasek recorded personal bests and Section qualifying times in the 100m butterfly (1.05.07) and 100m backstroke (1.06.72) while Burke did the same in the 100m freestyle (59.10). Jasek, Burke, and a handful of other talented ladies from Pitman are now focusing on the CCC trials and the CCC conference meet that will be held on April 27 and 28.
“We have a very good chance to place first,” Solario said. “It will be very competitive between us and Merced.”
Normally, Pitman’s boys would have had the same amount of confidence heading into the Buhach meet but with the absence of their top three swimmers, who were at a Future Business Leaders of America trip, the meet turned out to be closer than anticipated.
“We knew we were still going to be competitive, but knew it was going to be tough with three of our best kids out of the pool,” Solario said.
Even with a shorthanded cast Pitman did well in the water with three recorded personal bests and two Section qualifying times from swimmers. Max Rodriguez recorded a qualifying time in the 100m breast stroke (1.04.75) and Cameron Sondeno qualified in the 50m freestyle (23.69). Quinten Day didn’t qualify for Sections, but did finish with an impressive time in the 100m fly (59.45).
The boys diving events will be held at Buhach on Tuesday to decide the final score and the meet contention is expected to be resolved by Thursday.
“We’re satisfied with the outcome, but we still have to see this thing through,” Solario said of the contention.
