Newport Harbor Takes Boys’ Title

Mission Viejo left the door open for Newport Harbor at the Southern Section Division I boys’ swimming finals Friday at Long Beach Belmont Plaza, and the Sailors slipped in to win their first section title.

The Diablos were disqualified in the consolation finals of the 200-yard freestyle relay for leaving the starting blocks too early on the final leg, giving up a chance to earn from two to 19 points. Newport Harbor won the 200 free relay and later clinched the title with a victory in the final event, the 400 free relay. The Sailors scored 198 points, Mission Viejo had 196 and Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley was third with 177.

“It’s awesome,” said Newport Harbor senior Aaron Peirsol, who anchored both relays and also won the 200 free and 100 backstroke. “A great way to end the season.”

Anaheim Servite’s Adam Hewko won the 500 free for the second consecutive season and the 200 individual medley.

The Irvine girls’ team won its sixth consecutive Division I title, opening the meet by winning the 200-yard medley relay in 1 minute 43.71 seconds to break its month-old national high school mark of 1:44.72.

Irvine’s Courtney Cashion won the 100 free in a division-record 49.45, and the 50 free. Teammate Diana MacManus won the 100 backstroke in a division-record 54.42.

Irvine scored 285 points, Santa Margarita had 197 and Anaheim Canyon had 190.