Panthers Move Up to Second at Mt SAC Invitational

A year after placing fifth overall as a team at the Mt. SAC Invitaitonal, the Lady Panthers were able to to overcome a reduced roster and still improve to second overall. Out this meet for the Lady Panthers were top five runners Olivia Jimenez, who was attending a wedding out of state, and Leslie Oseguera, who chose to sit this meet out in preparation for the Coast Conference and Northern California Regional Championship meets. As expected, a full Mt. SAC womens' team running on their home course took the team victory easily but the Lady Panthers did manage to place two women in the top 15 overall and their scoring five in the top 25 overall.

Freshman Arlene Diaz Leal managed to place ninth overall in 19:28 after running as high as third before the infamous "Switchbacks" hill. Sophomore Yvette Tavarez missed this race in 2016 and made up for the absence with a fifteenth place medal in 19:53. Freshmen Lauryn Orozco (20:15) and Maria Aceves (20:19) ran much of the race side by side and lead fellow freshman Monica Ruelas (20:28) into the top 25 overall in their first attempt. Sophomore Joceyln Cervantes remained healthy and improving from last year with her 21:03 time followed by Elizabeth Hernandez (21:23) enjoying her first time inside the Lady Panthers top seven.

The Lady Panthers will look to win a fourth consecutive Coast Conference Championship on Friday, October 27th at Toro Park. The women's 3 mile championship race is scheduled for 2:30pm.