Bakersfield, Calif. – And that's how it's done!
It wasn't even close as the Mt. SAC Women's Track and Field Team was leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, earning a first-place finish out of 22 teams at the 3C2A SoCal Regional Championships on Saturday, May 9.
The Mounties piled up 179.5 points, finishing nearly 80 points ahead of second-place Cerritos College (100), while Riverside City College rounded out the top three with 91 points. From the track to the field events, Mt. SAC showcased their depth, talent, and championship mentality in one of their most impressive meets of the season.
Leading the charge on the track was Jody Colbert Jr., who sprinted to a regional title in the 200 meters with a winning time of 24.32 while also taking third in the 100 meters at 12.02. Teammate Soleil Murillo added to the Mounties' scoring with a runner-up finish in the 200 meters (24.53) and a fourth-place finish in the 100 meters (12.08).
In the distance events, Casey McConn claimed first place in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:41.79, while Sophia Ebiner continued her outstanding postseason by placing second in the 5000 meters in 17:59.71 after already securing a regional championship in the 10,000 meters last weekend with a time of 39:29.91. Kaitlyn Reyes added valuable team points with a fourth-place finish in the 5000 meters at 18:29.90.
The Mounties also excelled in the hurdles and relay events. Nyrah Wyatt turned in a pair of runner-up performances, taking second in both the 100-meter hurdles (14.51) and 400-meter hurdles (1:05.51). Jessica Vigil added another podium finish with a second-place showing in the steeplechase at 12:07.60. Mt. SAC's speed and teamwork were on full display in the 4x100 relay, where Enessah Hawkins, Murillo, Colbert Jr., and Megan Stauffer raced to a first-place finish in 46.35.
In the field events, the Mounties proved equally unstoppable. Olivia Powers captured the regional title in the javelin with a throw of 135' 1", while teammate Camryn Calderon secured second place with a mark of 121', 7".
Illicia Ross soared to first place in the high jump by clearing 5', 8.75", and Miku Yanagawa claimed another regional championship in the pole vault with a winning mark of 12', 11.5". Emma Samvelian also earned a podium finish in the pole vault, taking third at 11', 11.75".
NEXT UP:
Now, the focus shifts to the 3C2A State Championships at Hilmer Lodge Stadium beginning Friday, May 15. Last season, the Mounties narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish, but this year's team enters the state meet with momentum, confidence, and home-track advantage. As some of the top athletes in California prepare to participate at the historic venue known for being the place "Where the World's Best Athletes Compete," Mt. SAC will look to make their home crowd proud and chase another championship performance.
The last time Mt. SAC hosted the 3C2A State Championships at Hilmer Lodge Stadium, both the men's and women's teams captured state titles. With the Mounties coming off a dominant regional performance and firing on all cylinders, the question now becomes — can history repeat itself? Stay tuned.
Good luck, Mounties!
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.