Swimming: Cleveland girls set tone at City finals

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Cleveland’s girls 200-yard medley relay made a strong opening statement at Wednesday afternoon’s City Section Swim Championships in Los Angeles.

The Cavaliers’ foursome edged Palisades by three tenths of a second to win the first event of the meet thanks to a strong butterfly leg by Valerie Orellana, who dove into the pool .49 seconds behind and made up .79 seconds. Freestylers Kristina Choi of Cleveland and Hayley Lemoine of Palisades swam identical anchor splits in 25.39.

Cleveland is trying to become the first team to sweep the boys and girls team titles since Palisades in 2003. The Dolphins are seeking their fourth consecutive girls’ title.

-- Steve Galluzzo