CLOVIS, Calif. – The St. Francis cross country team placed sixth overall at the 2019 CIF State Championships Saturday morning in the Division II race at Woodward Park.
"It is not exactly what we wanted," said Head Coach Aaron Rios. "At the end of the day you put all the months of training and time together you have to look at the silver lining. The girls worked hard and fought at the state meet and we are in the Top 10 again at the state meet. The girls did a phenomenal job."
St. Francis has finished among the top 10 at nine consecutive state championships dating 2011.
Sophomore Cate Joaquin finished fourth overall in 17:39 behind only Alexandra Klos of Vista del Lago (17:13), Amber Rios of Colony (17:35) and Gianna Mendoza of Presentation (17:36).
"Cate as a sophomore is becoming a veteran of the sport at a young age," said Rios. "She has been consistent for us all season. There is not much more we can ask for than a fourth-place finish. She stepped up and did her very best."
It is the best overall finish by a Troubadour at the state meet, improving on the sixth-place finish by Lauren LaRocco (17:26) with the second-fastest time in school history.
"I am proud of myself," said Joaquin. "We may not have got the team results we wanted but we gave our best. That is all you can ask for. Now it is time to get ready for track."
Seniors Isabella Fauria was 26th overall (20th in scoring) in 18:16, while Haley Silva was 83rd (61st in scoring) in 19:03.
"It was an emotional race for them," said Rios. "They really wanted to step up for the team. They fought every bit of the way. They were happy to go out and run one more race for the Troubies."
Joaquin said her senior teammates will be missed.
"I feel really blessed to run with Haley and Izzy every day," said Joaquin. "I am really sad this is the last year with them."
Sophomore Tatiana Cornejo was the third finisher for the team, crossing in 69th (51st overall). Junior Hanna Hekkanan was 108th (19:21), sophomore Claire Silva was 111th (19:22) and Daphne Witherell was 145th (19:49).
CIF State Team Standings
1. Newbury Park 82; 2. St. Francis (MV) 161; 3. Serrano 185; 4. El Toro 202; 5. Canyon 204; 6. St. Francis 213.
