PCC's Cienega Shoots For Hardware At State Swim Meet, May 4-6

Highly-ranked Melissa Cienega is part of a small contingent of Pasadena City College women participating Thursday-Saturday, May 4-6 in the CCCAA State Swimming and Diving Championships at East Los Angeles College's Swim Stadium. Cienega is No. 2 in the state currently in both the 500-yard freestyle and 400 individual medley. She is third in the 200 freestyle.

At first glance, Cienega's best shot at a state title appeared to be the 400 IM as her South Coast Conference and PCC school record-setting 4:39.30 best time is not far behind No. 1-rated Claudia Guillory of Sierra (4:37.11).

But Cienega, the Co-SCC Swimmer of the Year, chose to participate in the 200, 500, and 1,650 freestyle as she is limited to three individual events. The only state champion in PCC women's swim history is Shannon Cheung who won both the 200 IM and 1,650 freestyle titles in 2014. 

PCC has had several win silver, including Ariahn Givens last year in the 100 freestyle. 

Jocelyn Jo, who was the other South Coast Co-Swimmer of the Year, and Anais Hacobian also both qualified for three events at the state meet while Lindsay Jensen is listed as an alternate in one event as part of the group.  Jo is PCC's record holder in the 200 breaststroke and is hoping to possibly set another school record in the 100 breaststroke at the meet. PCC's women's swim team is coached by Terry Stoddard.

Check PCC's twitter @PCCAthletics for updates throughout the state meet.