When Cerritos College freshman Hilary Baca joined the women's swimming team, she had no idea that by the end of the season she'd win the South Coast Conference championship and be the second alternate for the state championships. After the all of the divers from Southern California finished competing at El Camino College over the weekend, Baca came away with an eighth place showing in the 3-meter competition, while she placed ninth in the 1-meter event.

    The top six from each even qualify for the state championships at Saddleback College, with the next two finishers serving as alternates. Granted, she was the lone competitor from the SCC, which meant she was crowned the champion of both events, she surprised everyone, especially herself, with her eighth place in the 3-meters.

    "Hilary has very little diving experience, and no experience at three meters," said Falcon diving coach Glen Myer. "I taught her most of her dives on the high board the day before the competition and she did well enough to be an alternate for the state championships."

    Most importantly, with her two first place finishes, she gives the team a 40-point lead in the conference championships, which take place this weekend at Pasadena City College.