With a strong showing in conference match ups this year, both the men’s and women’s swimming/diving teams are headed down the home stretch of the season toward the conference and state championships with some confidence, and some returning state qualifiers.

The women’s team got off to a great start in conference with early wins against both Cypress and Palomar College. They finished fifth out of 10 competing Southern California colleges at the Chaffey Invitational before falling to Riverside in another conference meet. The bounced back though with wins over both Grossmont and Saddleback College, putting their conference record at 4-1.

Diver Jeanette Islas returns to the team after qualifying for state last season joined by standout divers Megan Looney and Becky Tran. Also enjoying success in the water this year is Emily Pool (backstroke), Chelsea Gadzia (backstroke), and Leah Mitchell (butterfly).

The men started out the year with a win versus Cypress College but then a loss to Palomar College to open their conference season. They finished fourth out of 10 and the Chaffey Invitational and then kicked it into overdrive, sweeping Riverside, Grossmont and Saddleback Colleges to take their conference mark to 4-1 as well.

Kenny Oredina, the lone returning state qualifier, is having yet another successful season, as are Ryan Sweat (100, 200 Butterflyer), Jorge Carranza (backstroke and freestyle) and Kerry Bekkedahl (distance freestyle). Chris Riviera stands as the lone male diver on the team.

The Orange Empire Conference Championships take place April 26-28, and the California State Championships follow on May 3-5.