Isabella Fauria Places Fourth in 800 Meters at State Meet

Isabella Fauria Places Fourth in 800 Meters at State Meet

FRESNO, Calif. – After missing the last two track seasons due to injury, junior Isabella Fauria capped her comeback junior season with a fourth-place finish at the CIF Track and Field State Championships with a personal-best 2:10.49.

"It could not have gone any better," said Fauria, the Sac-Joaquin Masters champion in the 800 and 1600 meters. "This race was exactly what I wanted in making to the finals at the state. To end up making the podium was a goal of mine and it is great to accomplish it."

Samantha Wallenstrom of Marin Catholic was the winner in 2:08.78 with Charlotte Tomkinson (Menlo, 2:09.41) and Rayna Stanziano (Concord, 2:10.07) the only runners ahead of Fauria.

"I knew we were going to be going out fast (62 seconds)," said Fauria. "Being able to keep going sub 70 in the second lap and to maintain (my position) was great."

Fauria qualified out of the trials on Friday with the second-fastest time, placing second in her heat.  

"Wow," said distance coach Aaron Rios. "She has worked very hard this season after coming from year and half to two years off. This was what she was working for to get back to the state meet, get to the final and get in position to podium. She put together the best possible race she could and executed our race plan perfectly."

Fauria qualified for the state meet by winning both the 800 and 1600 meters last week in helping the Troubadours capture the Masters team title.

"It has meant a lot to be here at the state meet," said Fauria. "It was great to be here with Coach Rios and the rest of my family. It feels really good."

Fauria's fourth-place finish improved the team's total to nine points.