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By James Williams / Sports Editor
MVP (Allison Perez / Photo Editor)
By James Williams / Sports Editor
Riverside City College women’s swimming and diving team finished sixth overall with a total of 247 points at the swimming and diving state championship meet at East Los Angeles College on April 28.
The Tigers were also one behind before Sierra College, which finished in fifth place in the standings.
“I think our team did great I would never complain about my team, I love my coaches, I think they do great with the girls talent,” Andrea Antonissen, Tigers’ swimmer, said. “I don’t care if we came in dead last or first, I have the best team in the state and I know I do.”
The Tigers had eight swimmers qualify for state and compete at the meet.
Antonissen led the way for the Tigers, winning all three of her individual events, including the 50-yard, 100, and 200 freestyle.
Antonissen set a RCC record in the 100 free, with a time of 51.04 seconds.
“Andrea’s 100 freestyle turned out just to be a magnificent swim, probably the swim of the meet in my opinion,” said David Almquist, woman’s swimming and diving coach.
Antonissen led the 100 free with a one second lead after 50 yards and won with a 1.85 second time difference between her and second-place finisher Abby Puczkowski from Ventura College.
At the end of the state meet, Antonissen was honored as the women’s Co-Swimmer of the Year for winning first place in all three of her individual races.
“(Almquist) and I, we knew she could do it,” Sarah Quinte, assistant coach of the women’s swim team, said. “She is a phenomenal talent and athlete, and it is really cool to see that she is so proud of herself because she really deserves it.”
Santa Rosa swimmer Alexandria Holland was also named women’s co-Swimmer of the Year after she won all three of her events as well.
Antonissen also won the 200 yard freestyle in a close finish with a time of 1:54.37.
San Mateo swimmer Miya Oto finished second behind Antonissen by just .58 of a second.
“I think going into every race I was a little worried. I mean these are the top girls in the state that you’re going against, and of course I feel pressure from them,” Antonissen said. “They are all great athletes, but I know my better is better, than their better and I know when I am in that pool I’m going to do my best to win.”
Tigers’ swimmer Kamaehu Alboro competed in the 50 yard backstroke, 100 yard backstroke, and the 100 yard individual medley.
“I was really proud of Alboro.She is only a freshman and placed second in the 50-yard backstroke and second in the 100-yard backstroke, that is wonderful for a freshman,” Almquist said.
Alboro came in a close second place with a time of 27.89, just behind Santa Monica swimmer Julianne Allison, who won by .09 of a second.
“I felt I did really well especially being a freshman. It is my first year back after not swimming for two years,” Alboro said. “Just coming in and doing so well, getting second in California is a big step up from getting first in Hawaii.”
Alboro led the first 50 yards of her race during the 100 back, but Santa Monica swimmer Michelle Liu took over the race.
During the last 50 yards, Liu took the win the race with a time of 58.30. Alboro finished in second place .71 of a second behind Liu.
“I think that is a great accomplishment for her, she came from Hawaii and for her to come all the way over here, make friends, learn a new team, learn a new coach, I think she did a wonderful job,” Almquist said.
Prior to the state meet finale, the Tigers finish the 2012 season in second place in their conference.
