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Lady Bruins Shine In Hawaii - Cross Country, Golf, Volleyball Squads Stay Busy
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With 31 teams from across the Hawaiian Islands and mainland U.S.A struggling for elbow room, a collection of varsity cross country girls from Riverbank High stood out among a pack of 109 runners with a third place overall team finish at the Iolani Invitational on Kualoa Ranch in Oahu on Saturday.

Nationally ranked Dana Hills of California and Honolulu powerhouse Punahou were the only programs to defeat the Riverbank girls, which placed three in the top 15 and all five among the top 40 runners.

The Bruins were paced by sophomore sensation Mikayla Flores, who erupted with a 19 minute, 29.2 second time on the three-mile course. She was the only underclassman to reach a top-14 placement and was only five seconds short of fourth place. She bested the next best underclassman by well over a minute and ended less than 45 seconds shy of the top time recorded by highly touted Dana Hills runner Sheridan Gomez.

Senior Adriana Rosales followed Florez with a 20:05.3 finish to snare 10th place, and watched Jackie Herrera (20:37.3) finish soon after in 13th place. Erica Orellana (21:48.6) and Gina Retana (22:03.7) rounded out scoring in 33rd and 40th place, respectively.

Golf

The Riverbank girls advanced to an impressive 5-2 mark in Valley Foothill League play after a 162-188 win over Ripon on Thursday at the Escalon Golf Course.

Courtney Floyd shot just two over par with a 33-stroke performance to nab medalist honors and watched four teammates finish under 46 strokes. Emily Blevins shot a 40 while Tori Sandoval carded a 44. Gabby Macedo and Kayla Page each ended in 45 strokes while Cassandra Gilbert shot a 56.

Volleyball

After a competitive preseason left Riverbank's varsity volleyball team with a 3-3 non-league stanza, the Lady Bruins opened Trans-Valley League play with visiting Modesto Christian on Monday, though results were not available at press time.

The team was rolling on the momentum of a terrific finish in the Golden Valley Tournament, where thrilling late performances propelled the program to victories over both Ceres and Orestimba to clinch an appearance in the championship game of their division.

In the title match, Riverbank fought to a 1-1 deadlock before Livingston landed a 16-14 finish in the tiebreaking game.

"We had a rocky start, but finished the tournament very strong," Riverbank coach Lisa Mila said. "We went neck and neck, playing the best I've seen my girls play."

Mila said she expects her team, led by "Beast of the Week" honoree Katie Mitchell and stellar setter Megan Larson, to challenge traditional TVL powerhouses throughout the conference season.

"As we enter league ... we are strong and capable," Mila said Monday. "If my girls can play like they did in the Golden Valley Tourney, and keep the energy and confidence up, I think we have a chance to do well in league."