PREP SWIMMING / SOUTHERN SECTION FINALS : Freshman Helps Buena Win Title

Freshman Rebecca Gilman of Ventura Buena performed like a seasoned veteran Friday night in the Southern Section Division I swimming championships at Long Beach’s Belmont Plaza Pool.

Gilman led the Buena girls to the team title with victories in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events, and also swam anchor on the Bulldogs’ victorious 200-yard medley relay squad.

Santa Barbara’s Lindsay Gassner also won two events, the 50 freestyle in 23.76 seconds and the 100 freestyle in 50.74.

Irvine Woodbridge swimmer Derya Buyukuncu broke his Southern Section record and set a new national standard in the 100-yard backstroke with a 47.50 clocking. A member of the 1992 Turkish Olympic swimming team, Buyukuncu also won the 50-yard freestyle in a Southern Section record 20.27.

Mission Viejo’s Bart Sikora finished first in the 100-yard butterfly and 500-yard freestyle.

Irvine’s Jason Lezak, second to Buyukuncu in the 50 freestyle, touched ahead of defending champion Matt Cornue of Villa Park in the 100 freestyle. Earlier, Cornue won the 200 freestyle.