Wednesday marked the second Central California Conference Meet from Donnelly Park for varsity and junior varsity cross country teams in the area, including Turlock and Pitman High.
The Turlock Bulldogs varsity girls took second as they were outran at their home course against Merced who scored seven more points than the 'Dogs.
“I’m so happy with the times. I couldn't ask for more,” said Turlock girls’ coach JoAnn Davison about her teams 42 points to Merced's 35. “The varsity girls had a tough battle with Merced who took it this time around. But great competition makes everyone better in the long run. So, we'll continue to work.”
The Bulldog boys placed third while both the girls and boys for the Pitman Pride finished in fifth.
“We feel very satisfied with our performance,” said Pitman head coach Sara Smith. “Each division set a goal for the last CCC meet and this one, and met it.”
Pitman's top girl runner was Mikayla Perry who finished in the 14th spot with a PR time of 20:35. Teammate Dalina Holmes followed up behind a few spots, taking 17th with a PR time of 20:53.
“We know our strengths and feel that we placed as expected. Now we have our last CCC meet to work toward and hopefully exceed our goals for that third meet,” Smith said.
The top time for the Turlock girls was Adelae Fredeen, who placed third with a personal record time of 19:08. Fellow Bulldog senior Maria Varela followed in fifth place with a time of 19:17, also a PR.
Turlock's Macie Ericksen finished in seventh, while teammate Sofia Andres topped out in eighth place and freshman Sandra Tovar cracked the top 20 after placing 19th with a time of 21:08.
“It’s very hard so we will see how it all plays out in the third match up,” said Davison.
For the boys, Turlock's David Bosquez had the best time for both Pitman and Turlock combined after coming in sixth place with a time of 16:33. Teammates Eric Alvarez (11th) and Jack Wooley (12th) followed.
“Our guys work hard every day. Today was no different. They gave it their all,” said Turlock boys’ coach Josh Ebersole. “They're moving up in the league and I am looking forward to seeing what they're going to bring to the championship meet.”
Pitman's best result for the boys was Joshua Van Allen, who finished 18th with a time of 17:06. Austin Allen was the Pride's second best result for the boys at No. 22.
“Juniors Austin Allen and Brent Curiel ran really well today as well,” said Smith of her boys’ effort, who took 22nd and 37th, respectively. “The hardest part of running a cross country race is running in your pack and knowing when to move to gain ground on the opposing teams. We are improving on our pack running.”
Pitman's junior varsity team for the boys took first and Turlock placed third. Turlock girls’ JV took first and Pitman finished in third.
“Turlock and Pitman always work well together and run well together especially since both teams hosted this meet at Donnelly Park,” Smith added. “Between Turlock and Pitman, we hope to represent the city of Turlock well in the final CCC meet in Merced.”
The third and final CCC meet will take place at Applegate Park on Oct. 26.
