Record-setting effort by Babcock, Buckley
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Saturday's roundup of highlights from track and softball.
Though the track and field season is just beginning to take shape, two of the county's best female runners put forth record-setting performances that suggest they are well on their way to producing state championship results.
Woodbridge senior Christine Babcock set meet records in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters, while defending Division III champion Corona del Mar senior Shelby Buckley set a meet record in the 800 meters to highlight the 29th annual Irvine Invitational on Saturday at Irvine High.
“I feel pretty good so far this season,” said Babcock, who will run in college at Washington. “I didn't really a have plan, but I just wanted to go out and push it.”
Babcock held the previous 1,600-meter meet record of 4:53.28, which she set last season. But that mark was in jeopardy from the outset, as she assumed control of the race around the first turn and was never challenged, finishing in a time of 4:51.56.
Dana Hills junior Heather Balbier (5:08.96) was second, while Corona del Mar senior Allison Damon (5:09.99) finished third.
Later, Babcock dominated the two-mile race, taking the lead 150 meters in and easily pulling away from the rest of the field.
Buckley held a comfortable lead throughout the 800-meter race. She finished strong over the last 100 meters and crossed the finish line in a time of 2:14.02, just ahead of the previous record of 2:14.20 set in 1986.
“I didn't set out to break the record, but winning feels great,” said Buckley.
On the boys' side, Dana Hills junior Tyler Valdes and Mission Viejo junior James Cameron waged an exciting battle in the 3,200 meters, with both runners trading the lead over the final lap before Valdes (9:24.11) pulled out the victory over Cameron (9:24.63).
Aliso Niguel senior Michael Andraszczyk (1:58.51) out-kicked Mission Viejo senior Jake Hartwell (1:58.81) over the last 100 meters to win the 800 meters.
JASON EICHELBERGER/OCVarsity.com
In softball:
In the Cypress Tournament:
Canyon 1, Marina 0:The Comanches won the tournament behind the arm of freshman pitcher Cheyanne Tarango, who gave up only one hit, struck out 10 and walked none in seven innings. Before she could beat the Vikings, Tarango led her team to the finals by beating Valencia, 3-0, striking out 11 and allowing only two hits. Tarango was named the Tournament MVP.
In the Downey Classic:
Kennedy 7, Bishop Montgomery of Torrance 1:Seniors and twins Elia and Jamia Reid hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning for the Fighting Irish — a two-run shot for Jamia followed by Elia's solo home run. Allee Allen held the Knights to only two hits.
Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com
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