Scott makes strong move at CIF State prelims
CLOVIS - Woodbridge senior Gabrielle Scott overcame a slow start and flashed a potentially key element to aid her quest to be a state champion in the 400 meters.
Scott rallied down the final 100 meters to win her heat and finish with the second fastest time of the meet at the CIF State Track and Field Championships on Friday night at Buchanan High.
“I didn’t get out fast enough like I should have, but I felt good coming down the last 100,” said Scott. “With my competition, it’s going to be important to have that ability to come back.”
Scott (54.76) trailed Rosemont sophomore Nia Dorner entering the final straightaway, but found a decisive burst to pass Dorner (55.08) and claim the win.
JSerra senior and 1,600 state leader Katherine Delaney led for most of her heat of the 1,600, before a remarkable late surge down the final straightaway from Aptos sophomore Nikki Hiltz helped her claim the top overall time of the day in 4:48.20. Delaney was second overall in a time of 4:49.90.
“I’m going to attack the race on Saturday from the start and not leave a kick for any of the other girls,” Delaney said.
St. Margaret’s senior Sarah Paddon also advanced to the finals, finishing in a time of 4:54.53.
El Toro senior Hanna Edwards will compete for the 800 state title, after escaping a group of runners that had her boxed on the inside and a near fall in the final lap to finish second in her heat in a time of 2:11.37.
“I felt a little trapped, but I’ve been boxed in before, and I tried to stay as emotionless as possible and push through the race like I know I can,” Edwards said.
Foothill junior Victoria Rische will look to close out her strong season in the pole vault final, as she was one of 12 vaulters to clear 11-9.
“There wasn’t too much pressure today and I feel like Saturday will be my day,” Rische said.
Also clearing 11-9 to advance to the finals was Mater Dei senior Madalyn Roberts.
“It’s great competition and the experience from last year will help me tremendously,” Roberts said.
Orange Lutheran senior Annie Giebelhaus will take part in the high jump final, after a 5-4 qualifying clearance.
“I knew that I had to be focused and concentrate,” Giebelhaus said. “I’m excited to give it my all and see where four years of training can get me.”
