The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.
The Millikan girls’ swim team delivered a statement performance at the 67th Klaus Barth Invitational, edging out a deep field to capture the team title with 110 points. Millikan relied on both top-end finishes and depth across events to outlast Wilson, which finished second with 105 points, and Poly who took third with 91 points.
The Rams set the tone early in the meet with a victory in the 200 medley relay. Millikan touched the wall first in 1:51.22, narrowly holding off Poly (1:51.73). The win established early momentum in the meet that ultimately came down to tight margins.
Millikan continued to build its lead with strong individual performances. Sienna Ramirez delivered one of the team’s most significant victories, winning the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:03.03. The win provided crucial points in a tightly contested team race.
In the sprint events, the Rams showed their depth. Cailyn Ashe placed third in the 100 freestyle (56.90), while Madelyn Huber followed closely in fourth (57.20). Elena Nygaard added a fifth-place finish (57.87), giving Millikan three swimmers in the top five and a valuable scoring boost.
Millikan also made an impact in the 100 butterfly, where Ashe (1:01.16), Lake Fisher (1:02.71) and Delilah Rieng (1:03.16) finished fourth, sixth and seventh, respectively. The trio’s combined effort helped maintain the Rams’ position atop the standings.
Distance events further highlighted Millikan’s balance. Mckenna Rosenberg placed second in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:15.05, contributing another key podium finish.
Relay depth proved decisive late in the meet. Millikan closed with a win in the 200 freestyle relay, finishing in 1:41.92 to outpace Wilson (1:42.63). The team also added a third-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay (3:53.33), securing enough points to hold off Wilson’s late push.
Millikan’s Rosenberg, Karina Ruiz, Mady Huber and Ramirez were one of the highlights as they set a new women’s record with a time of 1:49.92. Ramirez also set program marks in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM.
Wilson remained within striking distance throughout the meet, using strong individual performances and relay finishes to keep pressure on the eventual champions. However, Millikan’s consistency allowed it to maintain a narrow edge.
