Track and Field Finishes Second at Delta Meet, Prepares for Sections

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ELK GROVE, Calif. – The St. Francis track and field team finished second at the Delta League Finals on Friday at Sheldon High School, scoring 106.5 points behind team champion Davis (195). But the overall goal of the night was advancement to the Sac-Joaquin Section Trials on Wednesday at Elk Grove High School. The top four and finishers with qualifying times compete this week.

“All the events we competed in we did really well,” said Interim Head Coach Rodd Jett. “We had a lot of PRs today and student-athletes that advanced. They did a good job. Hopefully we will be closer to Davis and have a shot at them in the section meet next week.”

Senior Ariane Arndt won the individual 400 meters in 56.80 as the Troubadours swept the top three positions. Senior Lilly Enes was second in 57.80 and senior Kiani Reyna was third overall in 58.19. Arndt also advanced in the 800m, an event in which she is the section leader, with a second-place finish in 2:17.11 and ran in both qualifying relays.

“She is amazing and has been doing it for four years,” said Jett of Arndt. “It never surprises me what she can do. It is the norm for her.”

Junior Meaghan Rogers was fifth in the long jump with a personal-best leap of 17-8 and advanced with a fourth-place finish in the 100 meters with a personal-best 12.60.

“It feels really good,” said Rogers. “My race felt really put together. I wanted everything to go good because I have been working on it all season. Definitely, the finals are the place to do it.”

Rogers previously jumped 16-10.5 at the Halden Invitational this season.

“I had a PR by over a foot today,” said Rogers. “Everything came together perfectly. I have been waiting a while to go 17 feet and I finally did it.”

She also anchored the 4×100-meter relay which won the Delta League title in 47.99 with Reyna, Enes and Arndt.

“It was an outstanding day for her in the long jump and 100 meters,” said Jett. “She had big PRs in both and advanced (to sections) in both. I am really proud of her and happy to see her do that.”

St. Francis also advanced in the 100m hurdles with Elizabeth Henenssy’s third-place finish (15.75) and fourth-place in the 300m hurdles. Serena Shimada was sixth in the 100m hurdles.

“It is pretty exciting,” said Hennessy. “I am really happy with being able to qualify. I used to be better at my 300 hurdles but now I have come a long way in my 100. It is exciting to be running that race at the level I am now.”

Enes advanced in the 200 meters (25.90), senior Chase Worth in the 1600m (5:11.92), sophomore Sydney Vandegrift in the 3200m (10:58.88) and sophomore Teresa Lee in the high jump (4-11). Senior Juliana Cerezo-Rangel scored in the discus with a throw of 87-8 and Kristen Kopp had the top finish in the pole vault, clearing 7-4 to finish ninth overall.

The final race of the 4×400-meter relay needed freshman Kathryn Kramer to join lineup when regular Kiana Reyna fell ill. She filled in admirably, helping the team to a second-place finish in 3:59.58 to qualify for the section meet. They rank second entering next week’s meet.

“I am really appreciative that she stepped up,” said Hennessy of Kramer. “Last year I had to step up a few times. It was nerve-wracking and I sure she was scared tonight but she performed well. We needed her and we did well with her. I am proud of our overall performance.”

The Frosh-Soph team also had a solid meet, placing third overall with three event winners on the day. Sophomore Ava Nkadi won the 400 meters in 1:01.82 and placed second in the 800 meters in 2:36.23. Sophomore Erica Cradeur won a medal with a third-place in the 1600m (5:45.99). Sophomore Yahsmeene Duffy won the 100m hurdles (17.77) while Maya Solis was third. Isabelle Rudis was fifth after leading going into the final hurdle, suffering a late fall. Duffy was third in the 300m hurdles. The Frosh/Soph 4×100m relay (Isabelle Grassel, Chanel Grimes, Amanda Roina, Rudis) was second in their race in 53.08. Rudis won the long jump with a mark of 16-4.75.

The girls events start at 3:16 p.m. at the Sac-Joaquin Section Trials on Wednesday with the 4×100-meter relay.