Tars take second

FRESNO — The Newport Harbor High girls’ cross country team shared a closeness on and off the course. But the team that 21-year Sailors’ Coach Eric Tweit called the closest he’s ever had was unable to claim the Division II state title that eluded them last year, finishing second at Woodward Park’s 5K course Saturday.

The Sailors did finish second, as they did in 2005, and ahead of every other Southern Section team, including Ayala, which beat Newport Harbor for the section title a week ago. Tweit considered that a victory in itself.

“There is the battle in the battle,” Tweit said. “If you can’t win you want to beat as many Southern Section teams as you can.”

In finishing second Newport Harbor also defeated Edison, which edged the Sailors in the Sunset League final.

“The reason why it feels good is that they are really good teams,” Tweit said. “You love to be consistent. We had shots both this year and last. Before the race, we tried to talk more about running the best race we can.”

Senior Melissa Mead led the Sailors, taking sixth place in 18 minutes, 16 seconds, edging out the next runner by a second.

“I was prepared,” said Mead, who planned to meet with coaches from five colleges after the race. “I was really excited. This is my favorite course. Every time I run, it I feel real good. It’s always good to see the finish line at this course. I see the finish and I shift gears. And it feels great to beat Ayala.”

Senior Taylor Bryson, who finished second for the Sailors and 29th overall in 18:49, said she will miss being a part of the team.

“We had a real strong bond,” she said. “It’s sad it’s over.”

Bryson agreed that beating Ayala was an accomplishment.

“I think that was one of our main goals,” she said.

Junior Sophia Ditty was 29th in 18:55, sophomore Desiree Alexander was 32nd in 19:03, junior Erin Mulligan was 45th in 19:33, junior Ashley Chavez was 60th in 19:42 and sophomore Nichole Rumore finished in 21:30.

Sage Hill junior Connor Rose provided the highest boys’ finish, taking eighth in the Division V race in 16:20. Of the seven runners that finished in front of him five were seniors.

“It wasn’t surprising to me how well he did,” Sage Hill Coach Nate Miller said. “This was probably his fastest time other than on the fast course at Woodbridge. This is one of his best efforts ever.”

Rose was still able to deliver an elite performance despite not having his teammates with him as he did last year.

“He was able to focus on individual goals,” Miller said.

The Sage Hill girls’ team finished in seventh in Division V. Sophomore Cait Williamson was 19th in 19:59. Junior Katie McKeon was 26th in 20:19 and sophomore Aiyana Bobrownicki was 27th in 20:19.

“Katie has been solid for us all year long,” Miller said.

Miller said it will be tough for the team to lose seniors Kara Percival (60th in 21:22) and Erica Faris (77th, 22:01). Freshman Jackie Dion and sophomore MacKenzie Muhonen finished in 22:11 and 22:44, respectively.

The Corona del Mar boys’ team was 13th, but still defeated Pacific Coast League rival Laguna Hills, which edged out the Sea Kings for the league title.

Junior Thomas Dialynas was 26th in 16:23, senior Tommy Hutchison was 43rd in 16:41, senior Tim Scott 50th in 16:49, junior John Leonard was 63rd in 16:56 and senior Brian Licorish was 83rd in 17:11.

Seniors Bret Grainger and Tri Nguyen finished in 17:13 and 18:18 respectively.