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Santa Margarita freshman pole vaulter Kaitlyn Merritt started her CIF career with a record-setting performance at the Eagle Invitational Saturday at Santa Margarita High.
    
Merritt set the state federation freshman record with a meet-winning clearance of 12-10¼.
    
That clearance broke the previous state freshman record set by former Newport Harbor standout Allison Stokke, who cleared 12-8 to win the CIF state title in 2004.
    
Her clearance also put her fourth on the county’s all-time list, trailing only Stokke (13-7), former Edison vaulter Tori Pena (13-2), and former Huntington Beach vaulter Allison Koressel (13-1).
    
It was a good overall day for several other Santa Margarita athletes.
    
Sophomore Caroline Hilley was a double winner in both hurdles competitions. She won the 100 hurdles in a win-aided time of 15:29 and took first place in the 300 hurdles (44.98).

Junior Alex Gilbert finished the 400 in sub-59 seconds, taking first in a time of 58.36.

Sophomore Heather Walleigh ran a wind-aided 12.34 to finish with the second best time of the day in the 100.
    
Senior teammates Sarah Porter (2:20.70) and Rachel Roesgen (2:20.82) finished first and second in the 800.
    
Senior Bailey Turk (16-5) was first in the long jump, with senior Ashley Rhorer (35-8¾) winning the triple jump.

Looking to build off a strong showing throughout the cross county season, Newport Harbor junior Paige Tennison opened the season with a big win in the 1600
    
Tennison crossed the finish line in a time of 5:10.33, nine seconds faster than St. Joseph’s Marissa Pluma (5:19.69).
    
Mater Dei senior Madalyn Sando cleared 5-5 to win the high jump, with fellow Monarchs senior Kara Caskey (106-3) winning the discus.