Rustlers Swim at OCC Invitational

Costa Mesa, Calif. - The Golden West College women's swim team delivered a gritty and determined showing at the Orange Coast Invitational on Friday, April 4, at Orange Coast College. With strong individual efforts across the board, the Rustlers battled tough competition while posting multiple top-10 finishes and point-scoring performances in a packed day of racing.

Zoe Esquivel led the way with a 25-point contribution. She placed 7th in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:58.98), earning 12 points, and added 10 more with an 8th-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:22.07). Esquivel also swam a grueling 500-yard freestyle, finishing 14th (6:30.85) and adding 3 more points.

Hanna Menyhart was right behind with 21 points. She claimed 5th in the 100 backstroke (1:10.84) for 14 points and earned 7 more in the 200 backstroke (2:34.05, 10th place). A disqualification in the 200 IM kept her off the scoreboard in that event but didn't slow her momentum.

Monet Panter showcased her versatility and composure across three events, earning 24 points. She placed 8th in the 100 IM (1:21.30), took 10th in the 100 back (1:17.97), and added 6 points with an 11th-place finish in the 100 fly (1:29.87).

Catherine Le competed in three distance-heavy events and racked up 18 points. She placed 6th in the 1650 free (23:05.56), contributing 13 points. Le also scored in the 500 free and 100 breast, finishing 16th (6:33.25) and 13th (1:24.98), respectively.

Sophie Kresge delivered a well-rounded meet, highlighted by a personal best 29.17 in the 50 free (14th place, 3 points). She also took 9th in the 100 back (1:17.64) and competed in the 500 free (6:49.28), totaling 12 points.

Nathalia Johnston bounced back from a DQ in the 100 fly to finish 7th in the 200 fly (2:53.43) and earned 12 points. She also posted a new personal best in the 200 IM, clocking 2:50.57.

Up next for the Rustlers is the Orange-Empire Conference Championships that will be held April 17-19 at Saddleback College.