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Bulldogs, Hawk qualify for section meet
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Ceres High School's varsity girls swim program hasn't had an individual or a relay team advance to the Sac-Joaquin Section Championships the last three years.

Katie Griffith, Kamie Machado, Lauren Griffin, Jaymie Lenz and Samantha Walters represented the Bulldogs at the prestigious meet in 2006.

"It's been a while since we've had some girls qualify for sections," head coach Rebecca Sanders said.

Sophomores Montana Bull, Megan Braverman and Tori Gunzenhauser, and freshman Haley Fisicaro helped put a halt to that streak during Ceres High's 104-57 win over crosstown rival Central Valley on Friday, April 16.

They earned the right to compete in the 200 medley (2:14.01) and 200 free (1:57.17) relays next month at the frosh-soph section trials.

The qualifying marks in the 200 medley and 200 free relays are 2:15 and 1:58, respectively.

Fisicaro, a freshman, also posted a section-qualifying time of 1:12.16 in the 100 fly. She eclipsed the frosh-soph time standard by .84 seconds.

"It was really great to see them do that," Sanders said. "The girls were nervous before the meet. I tried not to put a lot of pressure on them."

Bull, Braverman, Fisicaro and Gunzenhauser couldn't contain their excitement after reaching their goal. They jumped into the deep end of Ceres High's pool and hugged.

Assistant coach Sue Garcia presented blue ribbons to all four swimmers.

Central Valley High School's Taylor Rogers will also participate in the section championships on May 13 at Tokay High School.

The junior punched her ticket earlier this season when she completed the 50 free in 26.31 seconds. She needed to post a time of 26.40 seconds or better to qualify for sections.

"She's swimming pretty consistent right now," Hawks head coach Sarah Willems said. "She's one of the hardest workers at practice. I'm hoping she does very well."