HANNAH BARLOW won the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle for the Lady Panthers against American Canyon.

Benicia High’s varsity swimmers put on a solid showing at the James Lemos Swim Center on Wednesday as both the boys and girls teams defeated visiting American Canyon.

Senior David Larson won two individual events for the Panther boys, who cruised to a convincing 135-33 victory to remain undefeated this season. Larson captured the 200 freestyle (1:48.17) and 500 freestyle (4:51.41) and qualified for sections in both events. Senior Tim Man was also a double victor for Benicia, winning the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke.

Other Panther individual winners included senior Nick Barlow (50 freestyle), junior Xavier Quintana (100 butterfly), senior Cris Gomez (100 freestyle) and senior Caleb Judd (100 backstroke).

Man, Quintana and juniors Hank Nelson and Harrison Flores combined to win the 200 medley relay, while the wrecking crew of Larson, Gomez, Barlow and senior Evan Sousa captured both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

The Lady Panthers faced a sturdy challenge throughout their meet but came away with a 100-70 victory. Senior Hannah Barlow was again a double victor for Benicia in the 50 and 100 freestyle. Sophomores Alyssa Powell (100 butterfly) and Esther Hurst (500 freestyle) also won individually.

Lady Panther underclassmen shined in varsity victories with sophomores Molly Casper, Kelsi Norman, Hurst and freshman Samantha Man taking the 200 freestyle relay. Powell, sophomore Alexa Jacobson, Man and Hurst won the 400 free relay.

“It was a fun and competitive meet,” said Benicia head coach Jeff Kuta. “Many of these athletes are teammates on swim clubs, so they have known each other for years. It was a great, sporting atmosphere for everyone involved.”

The Panthers compete at the Black and Gold Invitational at American Canyon on Saturday. Their next home meet is next Wednesday against St. Patrick-St. Vincent at the James Lemos Swim Center.

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