Over 1,200 swimmers competed for a spot in the Top 16 of respective races at the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section meet to begin the month and some Pioneer High School students were among the best.

The event took place from May 1-3 at the District 56 Aquatic Center in Elk Grove. The Patriots swam in several races, six as individuals and three as relay teams. Three individual girls and two relay teams medaled.

“Our swimmers showcased incredible determination and skill in this meet, demonstrating the result of months of hard work and dedication,” stated coach Mary Park. “Each stroke reflected their commitment to excellence and their performances were a testament to their resilience and teamwork. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and the way the Patriot spirit shined through their efforts.”

Junior Jojo Brant placed second in the Varsity 50 yard Freestyle with a time of 23.20 seconds. Brant also placed second in the Varisty 100 yard Freestyle with a time of 50.84. Brant was 1-of-3 swimmers to qualify for the 2024 CIF State Finals meet with her second place finishes in each event. She swam at the Clovis Aquatic Complex on Friday and Saturday.

The girls junior varsity relay team of sophomore Sarah Starkovich and freshmen, Maddy and Molly Terry and Holly Huxsoll placed first in the JV 200 yard Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:44.01. The same team placed 16th in the JV 200 yard Medley Relay with a time of 2:04.02.

As an individual, Molly Terry placed fourth in the JV 500 Freestyle event with a time of 5:20.03. She placed ninth in the JV 200 yard Individual Medley with a time of 2:19.19. Starkovich placed eighth in the JV 50 yard Freestyle with a time of 26.21 and 14th place in the JV 100 yard Freestyle with a time of 1:03.96.The girls varsity relay team of Brant, seniors, Olivia Gill and Isabella Duarte, and freshman Whitney Martin finished 15th in the Varsity 200 yard Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:46.00. The same unit finished 19th out of 54 teams in the Varsity 200 yard Medley Relay, finishing just outside of the top 16 finalists with a time of 2:01.47.

Other swimmers that made sections include: seniors, Logan Martin and Fabian Rodriguez, junior Sean Basinillo and freshmen, Sean Christison and Yosan Muleta.

Check out The Daily Democrat sports section on Tuesday to find out Brant’s results from the CIF State Finals.