Leaving school at 5 a.m., girls’ swim competed in Division 1 preliminaries at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) at Riverside Aquatics Center on May 10. Sophomores Gabi Taylor and Haley Truong and freshmen Allison Kramer, Tiffany Lee and Kai Wong have dedicated time and effort to participating in this highly competitive environment where every millisecond counts in placing.

“First of all, I didn’t even think I would make it to CIF even for relay, because as freshmen, not many of us get to compete because it’s mainly just juniors and seniors,” Lee said. “But it was an amazing opportunity, and I’m really glad I got to go.”

Lee, Taylor, Truong and Wong swam together in the 400 meter freestyle relay. Taylor, Truong and Wong also swam with Kramer for the 200 medley relay.

“I really enjoyed being able to compete at CIF, and I feel really happy that we got a chance to participate in such a competitive environment,” co-captain Truong said. “Next year, I really hope we can qualify for more relays, and I hope to qualify for individual rounds as well.”

Although the girls were unable to qualify for finals, the team remains positive for future years to come. Only a handful of the swimmers have been invited to CIF, and coaches, captains and athletes all look forward to increasing the number of qualifying athletes next year.

“[The swimmers] stepped up and knew they earned their spots to be there. It’s a huge leap forward from last year. Being able to qualify for Division 1 with only underclassmen is truly amazing,” head coach Kellie Lawicki said. “Besides CIF, I think one of our goals is to make a statement within the Pacific Coast League. Portola swim was already the talk of the town at some of our meets this year, but swimming well in the very talented PCL is what we have our eyes on next.”