Benicia High’s varsity swimmers split their 2015 season opener at Vintage last Wednesday, with the Panther boys winning 107-57 and the Lady Panthers losing 128-34.

The Panther boys qualified for Sections in the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay. Seniors Nick Barlow, Cris Gomez, Evan Sousa and Timothy Man won the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, respectively. Juniors Matt “Moose” Simonson and Gavin Griffin took the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

“We’ve come to expect results from our varsity men,” said Benicia assistant coach and Panther alum Ares Elmore. “A few of them swam events out of their comfort zone and rose to the occasion.”

Benicia’s girls 200 medley relay team of senior Justeen Singley and juniors Amelia Arechy, Hannah Barlow and Camila Sanchez also qualified for Sections. Barlow, a sprint specialist, also won the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, qualifying for Sections in the 50.

“This was a solid way to start the season,” said Jeff Kuta, new head coach for the Panthers. “We have a huge team of over 100 swimmers this year, and everyone had a opportunity to contribute.”

The Panthers host Vallejo this Wednesday at James Lemos Swim Center and host Rodriguez in a non-league meet on Friday.

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