Costa Mesa girls put end to Estancia’s streak

COSTA MESA — In a rivalry meet, all bets are off.

And the Costa Mesa High girls’ swim team made sure to end a streak, too.

The Mustang girls won at cross-town rival Estancia in an Orange Coast League meet Tuesday, 91-80, ending the Eagles’ 42-dual meet winning streak. Estancia hadn’t lost a dual meet since 2003.

The Costa Mesa boys’ team was also victorious over the Eagles, 106-53.

Estancia’s girls (7-1, 1-1 in league) did win five of eight individual events, and two of three relays. But the Mustangs (4-0, 1-0) won the numbers game, often sweeping the second, third and fourth spots.

“We were ready to go,” Costa Mesa Coach Patty Smith said. “I’ve had a hard time convincing the girls who come in third and fourth how important that is until this meet. Today, they finally saw it.”

Mustangs sophomore Andrea Beyaoju set a new school record in the 100 butterfly (1 minute, 1.34 seconds, a CIF Division II automatic time) and also won the 100 breaststroke (1:11.78, a consideration time).

Liz Simpson was the other individual winner for Mesa, taking the 50 freestyle in 26.90 seconds. A key 200 freestyle relay win also helped Costa Mesa.

“It stayed pretty much between five and six points, until we won the 200 free relay,” Smith said. “That’s when we pulled ahead.”

Shea Kopp won the 200 individual and 100 backstroke for Estancia.

“My girls swam some really good times, but they got us,” Eagles girls’ coach Bob Bandaruk said. “[The streak’s] got to end at some point. It’d be nice if it wasn’t Mesa, but 42-1 is not so bad.”

The Mustang boys (4-0, 1-0), meanwhile, won behind freestyle strength of James Fowler (50 and 100 free winner) and Sam Edman (200 and 500 free winner).

For times from the meet, please see High School Roundup.