M & W SWIMMING: The Ventura College men's swimming team had a strong showing Friday at the Western State Conference No. 2 meet at Santa Monica, finishing first of four teams. The Pirates scored 187 points followed by Santa Monica (127), Los Angeles Valley (113) and Canyons (51). The Pirate women, meanwhile, finished fourth of the five participating teams. Chris Sands produced a solid day with a pair of individual firsts and a runner-up finish. Nick Vallejo won an individual event and was also a part of two winning relay teams for Ventura. Kristin Shaffer led the women with two top-3 finishes.
Sands finished first ion the 100-yard freestyle (10:38.56) and 200 -yard butterfly (1:58.31) while coming in second in the 500-yard freestyle. Vallejo was first in the 50-yard freestyle (21.98) and was a part of two winning relay teams. Meanwhile, Shea O'Shea placed first in the 500-yard freestyle (5:07.76), was second n the 200-yard freestyle and was on a winning relay team. Tyler Remnant won the 200-yard individual medley (2:10.54) and scored points in the 200-yard breaststroke. Renan Mendes finished first in the 200-yard back stroke (2:09.79) and also placed second in the 200-yard individual medley. Mitchell Ongstad triumphed in the 100-yard freestyle (48.75) and was runner-up in the 50-yard freestyle, in addition to playing a part on a winning relay.
VC won both relays in the meet, the 200-yard freestyle relay (Vallejo, Kyle Berg, Alec Kruse, O'Shea (3:21.23)) and 400-yard medley relay (Mendes, Joe Yamamoto, Vallejo, Ongstad (3:47.53)).
VC's women were led by Kristin Shaffer who was second in the 100-yard freestyle and third in the 200-yard freestyle. Abby Brooks scored in the 1000-yard freestyle and the 100-yard back stroke and Sara Kohler also scored in a pair of events, the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly.Jessica Gean scored points in the 500-yard freestyle while Jessica Peace earned points in the 100-yard breast stroke.
The Pirate swim teams will compete next at the WSC No. 3 meet on Friday march 28 at Los Angeles Pierce College. The first race is scheduled for 2:30 pm in Woodland Hills.