A first place finish in 13 of the 15 races helped propel the women’s Cerritos College swim team to a South Coast Conference victory over Chaffey College and Rio Hondo College on Friday at the Cerritos Aquatic Center.

Of the two races that the Falcons did not win first place, they weren’t far behind as they placed second in both to help increase the team record to 4-0.  

“We really had to step it up this meet so we could have a chance at conference, and we did,” said Janel Lopez, last year’s MVP of the South Coast Conference and who also didn’t participate in this meet due to an illness.

Sophomore Stephanie Roserio did her part in the team’s victory as she placed first in three individual races and was also part of the 400-yard relay team which posted a time of 3:50.14 to also win first place.

Roserio grabbed first place in the 100-yard freestyle (57.30), 200-yard freestyle (2:04.95), and in the 500-yard freestyle (5:41.42).

“I thought I did alright,” Roserio said modestly. “I always try my hardest to get first place, and today it worked out.”

Freshman Mehgan Carbajal also dominated her races as she was victorious in the 50-yard backstroke with a time of 34.24 and also in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:13.72.

She was also part of the 200-yard medley relay team who also took home a first place finish with a time of 1:58.96.

“I feel like I did good,” Carbajal stated. “I was just looking to win.”

Sophomore Gina Kim also won two individual races in the 50-yard backstroke (29.87) and in the 100-yard backstroke (1:03.10), and also played a part in the first place 400-yard freestyle relay team.

The Falcons will next be visiting Pasadena City College to compete in the Pasadena Invitational on Friday and Saturday.