Pirate Track and Field Show Well at Bakersfield Battle of the Regions

The Ventura College men and women's track and field teams traveled to Bakersfield College for the annual Battle of the Regions, highlighting teams from NorCal and SoCal. The Pirates were paced on the track by newcomers Tristan Griffith and Tiara Litonjua, and in the field by Marissa Tobin and Justin Coert.

Griffith placed 4th in the 100 meters, and helped the 4x100 relay place third overall. Litonjua lead the sprint team in the 100 meters, second fastest team finish at 200 meters and contributed legs on the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. She topped off the day with a second place in the 100 meter hurdles where her time of 16.13 moved her to seventh all-time.

Marissa Tobin was busy as usual, starting her day with a second place 10'3" effort in the pole vault meeting the California State 'B' qualifier. Marissa ran a leg on the 4x100 that finished third, but was disqualified for a zone violation. As well, she ran the 100 meters, lead the women's team in the 200 meters and topped off the day running a leg on the 10th fastest 4x400 relay.

Coert distinguished himself by placing as the top Pirate in two of the three men's throwing events.

Other athletes who performed well included Sam Boyle's ninth fastest 1500, Danielle Colvin and Sedona Williams placing as the top Pirate women in the long jump and high jump respectively.

"The first meet of the season is always one we use to see where we are in the areas of speed, power, technique, and fitness," commented head coach, Tony Veney.

"Our staff was more concerned about how much effort the young people put out, and for the most part we were satisfied."

The Pirates will be at home in their next meet when they host the annual WSC Relays Friday Feb. 19. Field events start at 11am while the first running event is scheduled for noon.