BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--The Bakersfield women's swimming and diving team swept a pair of Western Athletic Conference duals to open the 2013-14 season at the Hillman Aquatics Complex. The Roadrunners defeated Grand Canyon 179-109 and Seattle U 195-93 Saturday afternoon.

Bakersfield won nine of the 16 events contested. Freshman Paola Hernandez (Lompoc, Calif., Cabrillo HS) earned victories in the 100 back (:57.19) and 100 free (:51.96). She was second in the 200 IM (2:07.67), and swam the leadoff leg of the 'Runner 200 medley relay that finished first in a time of 1:47.78. Hernandez's times in the 100 back and 200 IM each were the fourth quickest in school history.

Sophomore Michaela Paige (Lompoc, Calif., Cabrillo, Calif.) earned victories in the 200 free (1:51.58) and 500 free (5:04.43). She was fourth in the 200 IM (2:11.04) and swam the anchor leg of the Bakersfield 400 free relay that posted the victory in a time of 3:30.78.

Freshman Carlee Burks (Bakersfield, Calif., Centennial HS) earned the victories in both diving events. She won the 1m with a score of 241.35 while taking home top honors in the 3m by posting a 231.55 performance.

The other individual Roadrunner victory was earned by Jacelyn Youngerman (Jr., Cypress, Calif., Cypress College) in the 50 free (:23.91).

"To have our team start off with two wins over two WAC teams is great!" said Bakersfield director of swimming & diving Chris Hansen. "Returners Kelsey Lange, Micheala Paiga and Lauren Kaufman all swam better today then they did at this time last year. Newcomer, Paola Hernandez swam personal best times in the 100 Back and 200 IM and just off in the 100 Free. Transfer Jacyln Youngerman, also showed she is here to win, having a personal best time in the 50. I am super proud of this team."

The Roadrunners are at Pacific next Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

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