Padron Highlights "Duel" Meet for Panthers
Although the women's sixth edition of the Hartnell vs DeAnza "Duel" Meet ended in a 68-68 tie, the Panthers did enjoy winning eight events highlighted by the first State "A" Mark of the 2024 season by sophomore Grace Padron. Hartnell also had winners in the javelin, discus, 4x100, 1500m, 100mH, 400mLH, and 3000m. De Anza College has now won four of the six "Duel" Meets since its inception in 2017.
Grace Padron started the "Duel" Meet with multiple throws over 40 meters in the hammer and put the pressue on the De Anza College throwers. Her best mark of 44.28m would be the winning mark by over 3 meters. It surpassed the State "A" Mark of 41.38m and is the current Norcal leader. Padron was the eighth place finisher in last year's regional championship and will now look to give Hartnell College a hammer thrower in the state final for the third consecutive year. Padron also won the discus in the rain with a mark of 34.13m, a debut almost four meters better than last year. Freshman Naia Hobson won the javelin in her first college competition. She tossed the spear 27.70m. The 4x100 relay of Aania Araiza, Daisy Macias, Taylan Flower and Kyla Neely completed their first revolution of the oval in 54.50. Macias had two individual victories starting with the 100mH (17.09) and returned for the 400mLH (73.38). Freshman Roselyn Olivo took the 1500m in 5:08.38 and 3000m in 11:23.01.
The Panthers will compete next at the Chabot Opener on Friday and Saturday, February 23-24.
