WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD: AVC INVITE
The Hornets represented well at the Antelope Valley College Invitational last Friday. The meet gave the FC athletes a feel at the future site of the Southern California Regional Championships that will take place in early May.
The Hornets had a chance to review the facility and check out the competition. Invited schools were Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, Saddleback, Orange Coast, Ventura, College of the Canyons, Palomar, Glendale, Allan Hancock, and Moorpark. It was a change in the weather from the week prior with sunny skies and 80-degree warm weather. The athletes achieved personal records, season bests, and won a few events.
Samantha Duong had a big day winning the 400M Hurdles and Javelin. Her day started out with a personal record in the 100M Hurdles and fourth place finish in 16.34. As soon as she finished her hurdle race, she ran over to compete in the javelin. With adrenaline high she gave herself a 12-foot PR with a throw of 101' 7" ranking her in second place for the OEC. She returned back to the track for the 400M Hurdles and clinched the win in 1:04.53. Sophomore, Taylor Sims – Orange Coast battled over the last few hurdles and came in second to Duong with a 1:04.84. Sam's time is leading in the OEC and ranked third for So Cal. "I knew today was going to be a good day", said Duong. Jasmine Mendoza ran slightly off her best time in the 100M Hurdles 17.73 for sixth place and took eighth place in the 400M Hurdles in 1:13.70.
On the distance side, Belen Gonzalez and Kim Flores competed in the 1500M and 3000M races. The day was considered a workout day used to evaluate where the runners are in their time trials. These events prepared them to run the 5000 meters in a few weeks.
The field events for the throwers did not show big performances in every event, however it was a good technique day in the rings.
"We have been working on a few different things in practice. I wanted to see changes in our technique and that is where we are in this part of the season", said Coach Bevec.
Madison Fitzpatrick threw two feet further for a PR of 36' ¾" and a fourth place finish. Cydney Chavers picked up a throw of 31'11.25" and Amber Hernandez tossed her a PR with 28' 6". The Hammer event brought more PR's for Amber Hernandez 112" 0" (8th) and Madison Fitzpatrick 110' 5" (9th). Cydney Chavers had a 105' 0" throw. "All of the ladies are working on adding more turns and progress is happening", responded Coach Bevec. The javelin is progressing as Madison Fitzpatrick threw 72 5" (9th), Amber Hernandez 70' 6" (10th), and Cydney Chavers 63' 11". The last event of the day was the discus. Cydney Chavers had a good technique throw for 9th place of 104' 1" and Amber Hernandez 71' 11".
Up Next: The Hornets will compete in an Orange Empire Conference meet at Santa Ana College on Friday, March 25th. The OEC teams competing are FC, Santa Ana, and Golden West. Field Events start at 11:00 am with the Track beginning at 2:30 pm.
