SWIMMING: Cleveland remains ahead of pack at West Valley League finals

It came down to the final event when Cleveland of Reseda competed against Birmingham of Lake Balboa during their regular-season dual meet. Although the margin wasn't as close Thursday at the West Valley League finals, the local rivals should put on quite a show at the City Section swimming prelims and finals in the coming weeks.

Cleveland won only two events, but the Cavaliers' depth allowed the defending City champions to prevail 453-415 over Birmingham, which received two victories from Darin Weltsch and wins in the 200 free (1:37.96) and 400 free relays (3:34.15).

Weltsch captured the 100 backstroke (59.52) and 200 individual medley (2:07.90) to become one of three multiple-event winners, along with Kennedy of Granada Hills' Gary Arthur -- 100 butterfly (54.36) and 200 free (1:48.16) -- and Taft of Woodland Hills' Nico Kryspin, who doubled in the 50 (22.69) and 100 frees (51.20).

Granada Hills' Grant Richman triumphed in the 500 free (5:08.54) and Cleveland's Alika Bautista won the 100 breaststroke (1:05.14), along with contributing to the Cavaliers' victorious 200 medley relay (1:50.53).

Cleveland won six events in the girls' competition, including the 200 medley relay (1:58.70) and 400 free relay (3:53.25), taking runner-up (1:47.61) to El Camino Real of Woodland Hills (1:45.28) in the 200 free relay.

Valerie Orellana doubled in the 100 backstroke (1:03.66) and 100 butterfly (59.67) for the Cavaliers, who received wins from Kristina Choi in the 200 free (2:03.51) and Jessica Chong in the 100 breaststroke (1:13.28).

Taft's Chelsea Lim continued her journey toward repeating as City champion in the sprint freestyle events, sweeping the 50 free (25.55) and 100 free (55.45).

Granada Hills' Bianca Valencia captured the 200 IM (2:20.24) and teammate Samantha Elam tied ECR freshman Evelyn Jovic in the 500 free, both clocking 5:42.78.