Depth key for Estancia girls swim team

Rick Devereux

The Estancia High girls swim team did not lose a dual meet last

season, finishing 11-0. But the dual-meet success did not translate

into Golden West League or CIF Southern Section Division III titles.

Crosstown rival Costa Mesa edged the Eagles, 337-310, at league

finals and the best finish an Eagle swimmer was able to attain among

four section qualifiers was 26th.

The outlook this season is for similar success in the dual meets

and raised expectations once CIF rolls around in May.

“Our strength is our depth, by far,” Coach Bob Bandaruk said. “We

have girls on junior varsity who would be on varsity on a lot of

teams.”

One of the main swimmers Bandaruk will be counting on is junior

Carolina Barnes. Barnes swims the 50-yard freestyle and 100

backstroke, while also contributing to the 400 free relay team.

Bandaruk is counting on Barnes to deliver more than just fast times.

“Barnes is a team leader,” the fifth-year coach said. “She is our

captain and gets everybody jacked up before the meets.”

Senior Courtney Hess is expected to continue the success she had

last season. Hess was strong in the 200 free and was a member of the

400 free relay team.

With Coco Abdul joining the golf team, Hess will be counted on as

the primary butterfly swimmer, as well.

Sophomore Melissa Buchmann, who finished second in the Golden West

League in the 100 backstroke last year, could also swim the

butterfly.

Sophomore Shannon Parsons and freshman Megan Kunert will also get

a chance to swim the butterfly in either the medley relay or the 100

butterfly.

While Buchmann is the top backstroker, several others are expected

to give the Eagles valuable points in the event and maybe push the

sophomore for a first-place result.

Sophomore Hiranya Keenawinna and freshman Shae Kopp provide the

depth Bandaruk said is necessary in order to challenge for a league

title.

“Winning in league is tough,” Bandaruk said. “Depth wins it. You

need to be able to get points beyond just first and second place.”

Even though Barnes swims in the 50 free and Hess in the 200 free,

sophomore Sydney Barloon is considered one of the top freestyle

swimmers for Estancia.

The sophomore participates in the 50 and 100 freestyle events, as

well as the 200 free relay, the 400 free relay and the 200 medley

relay.

The breaststroke portion of the medley relay will rotate between

juniors Susan Cloud and Katie Mahan.

“I think we’re strong all over,” Bandaruk said. “I think the key

to the season will be to stay healthy and stay consistent with our

times. I feel very comfortable with this team.”