By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bruin girls sweep cross country meet
Placeholder Image
Riverbank varsity girls won the Sierra Cross County Invitational on Saturday for the second year in a row

Maritza Garcia (19:24), Gina Arnold (20:16), and Bianca Melchor (20:44) finished second, fourth and sixth respectively at the Legion Park course in Modesto.

Asia Harrison ran 11th in 21:30; Angelica Duarte, 15th in 21:38; Tiffany Lackey, 23rd in 22:40; and Janet Moya, 33rd in 23:16.

Garcia's time was the fastest ever by a Riverbank runner over the 5000 meter course and under the meet record, although Downey star Monica Frailing won the race in 18:46, said Bruin coach Jeep Oliveira.

"Bianca is the team's spark plug and its most consistent runner," he said. "Bianca is the runner we can always count on. She is the one I worry about the least when the chips are down."

Asia Harrison outkicked a Sierra runner within the last 400 meters. Running a personal best was the up-and-coming Duarte, who will be important to the team by the end of the season. Lackey also ran a personal record, and Moya rounded out the Bruin finishers with a 33rd place.

"Only Turlock was able to put five runners in front of Moya. She was in before most team's third runner," said Oliveira. 'What is nice is that we are not up to par yet. Brettany Harrison did not run varsity. She is recovering from an injury and we are taking our time bringing her back."

"It's nice to go against Division One schools and win. It gives the girls confidence," he said.