Dolphins Dominate Marine Swim Finals

All season long, the Palisades High varsity swim teams dominated their Marine League opponents. So it came as no surprise when the Dolphins dominated last week’s League Finals Meet and established themselves as strong contenders for the City Section championship. ”Pali’s varsity girls scored 597 points to outdistance second-place Venice (418) and third-place San Pedro (258). Leading the way for the Dolphins was freshman Kristen Fuji, who won the 200 Freestyle in 2:03.96. Julie Wynn was first in the 50 Free while Jasmine Punch was first in the 500 Free and Chelsea Davidoff was second in 5:52.78. In the 100 Backstroke, Fujii was first in 1:03.76, Patrice Dodd swam second in 1:10.61 and Rachel Kent was third in 1:12.72. In the 100 Breast, the top two finishers dueled down to the wire, with Alexandra Ehrgott (1:15.29) just edging Pali teammate Chelsea Davidoff (1:17.71). ”Pali’s 400 Freestyle Relay won in overwhelming fashion in 4:01.30, more than 20 seconds ahead of second-place Venice. ”The Dolphins’ varsity boys showed fine form in accumulating 559.5 points to lap Venice (431) and San Pedro (374) and establishing themselves as the clear favorites to repeat as City champions. ”In the 200 Free, Peter Fishler took first place in 1:51.98 while in the 200 Individual Medley, Brian Johnson won in 2:06.38, Ted Tomlinson was second in 2:20.4 and Varit Soon was third in 2.20.71. First place in the 50 Free was a dead heat between Pali teammates David Nonberg, who tied at 23.52 seconds. Neither has finished lower than second place all season. Peter Fishler won the 100 Butterfly in 56.78 and Pali’s 200 Free Relay won in 1:27.73. ”In the 100 Backstroke, Johnson remained undefeated this year with the only sub-minute time of 57.60. Showing the depth that has been its hallmark all season, the Pali boys team took second, third and fourth in the 100 Breaststroke, led by Slava Agafonoff at 1.09.87. The Dolphins’ 400 Free Relay won in 3:33.50, over 18 seconds better than its previous best time this season. ”Next up for the Dolphins is the City Preliminary Meet on May 18 at the Los Angeles Memorial pool.