Mesa boys, girls both second at OCL swim finals

LAGUNA BEACH — The streak is over.

Boasting a deep and balanced squad, the Laguna Beach High boys’ swim team won the Orange Coast League title over Costa Mesa Thursday at Laguna Beach High.

The Breakers boys, who had tied Costa Mesa in last week’s dual meet, finished with 440 points, followed by the Mustangs with 336. Laguna Beach also defended its girls’ league title with 445 points, with Mesa again in second with 216.

Costa Mesa’s boys had won six straight league titles, including the last two in the Orange Coast League.

“All good streaks must come to an end,” Dustin Serrano said. “Our senior year was phenomenal. You can’t ask for anything better.”

Dustin Serrano won two individual events for Costa Mesa, the 200 free (1:49.98) and the 500 free (4:52.52). The latter time nearly broke former teammate Sam Edman’s league meet record of a year ago, and Serrano said it was a season-best.

With a strong freestyle kick, Cody Serrano won the 200 individual medley in a close match with Laguna’s Billy Wild in 2:04.08. Travis Wright, Chingiz Bigalimov, Dustin and Cody Serrano also teamed to win the meet-ending 400 free relay in 3:18.60.

On the girls’ side, Hannah Speer’s second-place time of 1:10.70 in the 100 breaststroke set a school record. Speer was also third in the 200 IM, while Liz Simpson was second in the 50 free and Andrea Beyaoju second in the 100 fly.

Estancia’s top finishers came on the boys’ side as well, where senior Wes Barloon was third in both the 200 IM and 100 fly. Sophomores Conner Graham and Matthew Thome got second and third, respectively, in the 100 breast.

— Matt Szabo