The CIF San Diego Division 2 Section Championships, held in Chula Vista, California, showcased the prowess of Mount Carmel Girls and Cathedral Catholic Boys, who emerged victorious in their respective meets. The competition was intense, with both teams finishing closely, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Girls' Meet: A Tightly Contested Battle
The Mount Carmel girls team demonstrated their swimming prowess, securing the top spot with an impressive 244 points. The team's performance was particularly notable in the 200 medley relay, where they clocked an outstanding 1:46.08, leaving the Academy of Our Lady Peace team in second place by a mere two seconds. Katie Diep, Catherine Bowe, Kadence La, and Jillian Launer's relay time was a testament to their teamwork and speed.
Aubrey Martinez, a La Costa Canyon freshman, made waves with her exceptional performance in the 200 IM, setting a new lifetime best of 2:03.05, a full two seconds faster than her previous record. Her 100 breaststroke swim was equally impressive, breaking the Division 2 record with a time of 1:01.63, ranking her 31st in the nation for 13-14 girls.
Kadence La, a senior at Mount Carmel, showcased her versatility by winning the 100 fly in 56.56, a significant improvement from her 2025 Section Championships time of 57.20. Catherine Rowe, also a senior at Mount Carmel, claimed the 100 backstroke title with a time of 54.62, finishing just over two seconds ahead of her teammate, Katie Diep.
Point Loma's McKenna Carroll, a senior, stood out with her dual-event wins. She dominated the 200 freestyle, touching in 1:50.89, and the 100 free, setting a new personal best of 50.87. Her commitment to UCLA for the fall further highlights her talent and dedication.
Boys' Meet: Cathedral Catholic's Dominance
The boys' meet was a display of Cathedral Catholic's swimming prowess, as they secured the top spot with 270 points, a 21-point lead over Sage Creek. The team's success was evident in their individual event wins and relay triumphs.
Max Davies, a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic, claimed the 50 freestyle title with a time of 20.51, outpacing Sage Creek's Bruce Snyder by six tenths of a second. Diego Dantas, another sophomore, won the 500 freestyle, finishing in 4:35.09, a significant improvement from his previous April time of 4:44.46.
The 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay victories further solidified Cathedral Catholic's dominance. The team's cohesive performance and individual talent showcased their swimming prowess.
Braden Guzman, a senior at Classical Academy, made history by breaking section and Division 2 records. He won the 200 IM in a new section record time of 1:46.68, and the 100 breaststroke in a new Division 2 record of 54.52. His commitment to Southern Methodist University for the fall is a testament to his exceptional skills.
Alex Pletcher, a junior at Point Loma, demonstrated his versatility by winning the 200 freestyle and 100 fly events. His times of 1:37.22 and 48.28, respectively, were close to his personal bests, further solidifying his status as a top swimmer.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Talent and Dedication
The CIF San Diego Division 2 Section Championships were a testament to the hard work and dedication of these swimmers. The close finishes and record-breaking performances showcased the talent and potential of these athletes, leaving a lasting impression on the swimming community. As these swimmers continue their journeys, their achievements will undoubtedly inspire and motivate future generations of swimmers in San Diego.
