Overcoming a strong field of runners and excessive heat, Mira Costa junior Elizabeth Chittenden emerged victorious in the first Bay League cross meet held Thursday at Palos Verdes.
Chittenden’s time of 19 minutes, 27 seconds bested that of Palos Verdes’ Jacquelyn Smith (19:54) and Alex Regan (20:00).
Ranked No. 10 in the CIF-SS Division 2 poll, Mira Costa came close to upsetting host Palos Verdes (No. 1, Div. 3) losing in points 33-31. Redondo (No. 10, Div. 1) placed third with 61 points.
Joining Chittenden as top-ten finishers for Mira Costa were Alexis Johnson (4th, 20:04), Amanda Han (8th, 20:27) and Brooke Inouye (9th, 20:49).
Also running for the Mustangs were Jessie Gregson-Williams (11th, 21:08), Sierra Andrade (13th, 21:14) and Anna Guerrero (18th, 21:57).
Redondo was led by Taylor Beaudoin, who finished sixth with a time of 20:14. Beaudoin’s twin sister, Nicole, placed 10th at 20:58.
Helping the Sea Hawks were Trinity Leonard (12th, 21:11), Sara Bilotta (16th, 21:31), Jean Echevarria-Herrera (17th, 21:52) and Isabel Ramirez (20th, 22:07).
After Redondo took an early lead in the boy’s race, Mira Costa finished with six runners in the top ten positions to take the team title with 28 points. Redondo placed second with 39 points and Palos Verdes finished third with 69.
The pack of Mustangs was led by junior Caleb Llorin, who finished third with a time of 16:54. Redondo junior Ethan Comeaux won the race at 16:25 followed by Palos Verdes senior Robert Franklin (16:46).
Mira Costa had strong performances from Ty Garrett (4th, 17:00), Michael Yaskowitz (6th, 17:11), Cole Lewis (7th, 17:13), Scott Healy (8th, 17:14), Ethan Williams (9th, 17:22) and Quinn Satow (18:15).
Redondo also had top-ten performances from Harrison Fox (5th, 17:01) and Andrew Zavala (10th, 17:29). Also running for the Sea Hawks were Ryan Wadhams (11th, 17:47), Nick Elias (12th, 17:48), Brian Adler (14th, 18:06) and freshman Benjamin Tait (19th, 18:29).
Peninsula finished fourth in both races.Â
