Bakersfield College swimming traveled to Los Angeles Pierce where they competed against both Pierce and Cuesta College and split the two matchups on March 23. They just finished a stretch of grueling practices and swim meets known as hell week.

BC’s men lost 131-65 against Cuesta, but defeated Pierce 65- 41. However, the women also suffered a loss from Cuesta 95-68. They also came out on top against Pierce 68-63.

According to BC assistant coach Patrick Zuniga, the team has been doing a lot of cutting back to get ready for conference. He feels that the meets are tuneups to get the team prepared for  the upcoming conference meets.

“I thought he was easier on them this year then he was last year,” said Zuniga, talking about BC coach Charlie Pike and hell week.

“Agreeing with me will be the returning sophomores, while the freshman disagree,” he said.

Against Pierce BC freshman Josh De La Rosa completed the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:51.66 minutes. He also finished second in the 200 individual medleys with a time of 2:03.2.

“It was the first time he swam it,” said Zuniga.

In the 50 freestyle, Mat Prasser finished with a time of 22.7. Also, Greg “Big Dog” Harrison got a personal best in the 200 individual medleys with a time of 2:18.92 .

For the women, Sophomore Franchesca Wyatt placed second in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:49.

“I feel good at this point in the season. I hope within the next week we get faster,” she said.

In the 200 individual medleys, Brandy Storms placed third with a finishing time of 2:30.5. BC’s next meet will be  March 30 at BC against L.A. Valley College and Ventura College.