Photo by Bobby R. Hester
Photo by Bobby R. Hester

Swimming & Diving Shows No Mercy in Seventh-Straight Dual Crowning

Making waves around the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) and the state of California is an understatement at this point for the Riverside City College swimming and diving program. The Tigers routed eight competitors for their seventh-consecutive dual victory of the season with the women earning 686 total points and the men amassing 763 total points.

The women relied on a consistent attack from a grip of contributors. Freshman duo Hannah Beth Cain and Michelle Hiller earned 50 points each to highlight the team.

Cain, who has acted as one of the most reliable swimmers throughout the season, earned a [air of silver medals in the 200 Back (2:22.50) and the 200 IM (2:31.72). She finished her day with a third place finish in the 100 Back (1:06.14). Hiller matched her podium out come with two second-place finishes coming in the 50 Free (26.38) and the 100 Free (57.64). She capped her day with a third-place crowning in the 200 Free (2:05.98).

Freshman Victoria Hernandez earned 46 points on the day highlighted by a second place finish in the 400 IM (5:10.52) and a third place finish in the 200 Fly (2:29.02). Sophomore Calen Loroff earned 46 points as well after a first place finish in the 1,650 Free (19:22.20).

The men continued to dominate the field after 23 swimmers scored at least one point for the Tigers. Leading the way was freshman duo Erick Fathoni and Aidan Mojica.

Fathoni went undefeated on the day by hauling in a trio of first-place victories. He began the day with a win in the 200 Free (1:42.88), backed by reigning supreme in the 100 Free (47.46) and the 200 IM (1:59.75). Mojica followed with two podium finishes highlighted by touching the wall first in the 200 Back (2:04.34). He also placed second in the 100 Back (56.25).

Freshman Zack Thelwell earned two first place fisnihes coming in the 50 Free (21.66) and the 100 Back (53.97), while freshman Sennen Chow placed second In the 50 Free (21.91). Jake Paulino earned a third place finish in the 100 Breaststroke (1:03.24).

Riverside will compete in the OEC Championships beginning on Thursday, April 18 at Saddleback College.