The Pirates' men's and women's track and field teams split their time Friday, with most competing at the Cerritos Invitational while a handful traveled to the Bryan Clay Invitational at Azusa Pacific University. VC performances in cold and wet conditions at both venues were highlighted by Carlos Oregel in the 3000m steeplechase at Cerritos while Erick Tienda and Sophia Godina produced top times in the 1500m races at APU.
Oregel (Oxnard) finished the 3k steeplechase in 10:16.95 to claim the silver medal at Cerritos. Liam Genkel (Ventura) finished fourth in the high jump while Angel Cano (Oxnard) had a solid effort, finishing 12th. Adrian Valdez (Oxnard) crossed the finish line in fourth in the 800m event and Trevor McCarthy (St. Bonaventure) broke the tape 15th in the 100m.
Meanwhile, Tienda (Rio Mesa) finished 21st in the Open C Division at Azusa Pacific with a remarkable time of 3:56.67 in the 1500m, the third-fastest time in Ventura College history and ranking ninth in the 3C2A state marks this season. Mason Jekogian (Ventura) came in 100th in the 1500m, just :04 behind Tienda at 4:00.95., a time that ranks ninth in VC history. Adrian Valdez (Oxnard) was 147th in the race in 4:40.11, the 14th-fastest time in Pirate annals.
Godina (Rio Mesa), an Azusa Pacific commit, from Rio Mesa, had a strong run at her future home finishing 73rd in the 1500m Open C Division with an impressive time of 4:44.59, the fourth-fastest time in VC history, solidifying her place as the top-ranked distance athlete in the 3C2A.
At Cerritos, Brooke Pyle (Foothill Tech) secured fourth place in the long jump despite the cold conditions and finished 18th in the 100m. Brianna Torres (Oxnard) crossed the finish line in sixth place in the challenging 5k race. Charys Pyle (Foothill Tech) placed sixth in the 400m hurdles while Addy Cornell (Newbury Park Adventist) and Yesenia Molina (Oxnard) competed in the 3000m steeplechase, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively. Savannah Sprinkle (Buena) came in sixth in the long jump and Ashley Crist (Foothill Tech) had a solid effort, finishing sixth in the triple jump. Cassandra O'Reilly (Rio Mesa) finished 15th in the shot put.
The Pirates continue the season on Friday April 19 at the Western State Conference preliminaries at Antelope Valley College.