Watsonville senior Katelynn Ruiz finished second overall with a time of 20 minutes, 05 seconds to help the Wildcatz girls’ cross country team win the Mission Division race in the first Pacific Coast Athletic League Center Meet of the season Sept. 19.
The Wildcatz finished with a team score of 45 points to beat Salinas (58) at Palo Corona Park in Carmel.
Lizbeth Gomez-Abrica took sixth in 21:32 for the ‘Catz, followed by teammates Azucena Sandoval (9th; 22:28), Aileen Reyes (15th; 22:59) and Jocelyn Guzman (26th; 24:56).
Monte Vista Christian senior Kylie Brunelli won Thursday afternoon’s Mission Division race in 19:57. Other top finishers for MVC were Ana Conca (20:54) in third and Finley Castro (21:09) in fourth.
Scoreboard
Boys cross country
PCAL Center Meet 1: Monte Vista Christian’s Gavin Beckmen took fourth in 17:30 in the Gabilan Division race during the first PCAL Center Meet of the season Sept. 19.
The Mustangs took third as a team with a score of 59, just behind Alisal (55) in second and Marina (35) in first.
MVC’s Conor Gilliam took eighth in 17:57, followed by Justin McCullick (11th; 18:04) and Bradley Orlando (12th; 18:04).
Watsonville sophomore Nain Garcia-Ferria placed sixth in 17:30 in the Mission Division race.
Erik Michi, a junior, finished in 19:26 to help Pajaro Valley place third as a team in the Cypress Division race Sept. 18. Fellow teammates junior Luis Martinez finished in 20:22, followed by junior Patrick Lopez (20:43) and freshman Donovan Valoroso (24:40).
Flag football
Aptos 31, at Soquel 8: Junior quarterback Ella Porter completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 152 yards and three touchdowns through the air to help lift the Mariners past the Knights in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League action Sept. 18.
“I am very pleased with our team’s execution. We knew we’d face a quick and challenging Soquel offense that would be prepared for our running game. Our players implemented what we practiced this week, containing their run while continuing to improve our passing game,” Aptos coach Denise Russo said in an email.
Aptos junior Julia Silviera had four receptions for 23 yards and one TD, while fellow teammate Ellie Marta had 12 receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Freshman Autumn Guiterrez hauled in one TD reception, and senior Izzy Graff had 37 yards rushing on three carries and three receptions for 42 yards for Aptos.
On defense, senior Mia Sanchez contributed four flag pulls and a 75-yard interception for a TD. Marta had five flag poles, three deflections and a 40-yard Pick-6.
Graff had three tackles, one deflection and one interception. Sophomore Lauren Galster had five tackles and a deflection, and Porter also recorded one interception.
Pajaro Valley 12, Pacific Collegiate School 6 (OT): Daisy Rincon scored twice for the Grizzlies, including the game-winning score in overtime against the Pumas in PCAL Mission Division action Sept. 17. With the win, Pajaro Valley improved to 2-4 in league play.
At Alisal 24, Watsonville 8: Sophomore Taylor Alves set a school record with a 65-yard rushing touchdown for the Wildcatz in a loss to the Trojans in PCAL Gabilan Division play Sept. 18.
Watsonville was playing without five starters, including senior quarterback Fernanda Lazo who left the game after getting injured on a running into the passer penalty.
Men’s soccer
Cabrillo 1, at Foothill 1: Eduardo Alvarez scored an unassisted goal in the 85th minute for the Seahawks in a draw against the Owls in non-conference play Sept. 17.
Up next, Cabrillo (1-1-2) plays at Clovis in non-conference action Sept. 24 at 4pm.
Girls volleyball
Aptos 3, at San Lorenzo Valley 1: Sophomore outside hitter Ella Dueck led the Mariners with 16 kills, six aces and four blocks in a four-set (25-18, 26-28, 25-16, 25-17) win over the Cougars in SCCAL action Sept. 19.
Fellow teammate Claire Willoughby finished with 10 kills on 23 attempts and five digs for Aptos (4-5, 2-1), which will host Mount Madonna (0-4, 0-2) in league play Sept. 24 at 6:30pm.
At Aptos 3, Santa Cruz 0: Ella Dueck finished with 15 kills, two blocks and 15 digs for the Mariners in a sweeping win (25-20, 25-23, 25-17) over the Cardinals in SCCAL action Sept. 17.
Aptos senior right side hitter Kenzie Smith had six kills and three aces, while teammate Isabella Magaña finished with three aces, 13 assists and 12 digs.
St. Francis 3, at North Salinas 1: Senior middle Carley Anderson had 13 kills and two blocks for the Shark in a four-set (25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-16) win against the Vikings in PCAL Cypress Division play Sept. 17.
Fellow teammate Georgia Otzman finished with 13 assists and three aces, while Julie Lopez had 11 assists. Peyton Orradre contributed 10 kills for the Sharks (8-4, 1-1), who host Ceiba (0-3, 0-2) in league play Sept. 23 at 6pm.
“Great first game to start the league. North Salinas has great defense and we were able to make plays and put the ball down,” St. Francis coach Sabrina Bracken said.
Games to Watch
Pajaro Valley vs. Palma/Rancho San Juan, flag football, Tuesday at 4pm: The Grizzlies continue their inaugural season with home games against both the Chieftains and Trailblazers in PCAL Mission Division action.
St. Francis vs. Watsonville/Seaside, flag football, Tuesday at 4pm: Maya Calfee and the Sharks (7-1, 6-0) take on the cross-town rival Wildcatz (3-9, 2-3) in non-league action and the Spartans (0-5, 0-5) in PCAL Mission Division play.
Monte Vista Christian vs. Santa Catalina, girls volleyball, Wednesday at 6pm: After a pair of tough losses in PCAL Gabilan Division play, the Mustangs (10-2, 0-2) return to their home court against the Cougars (8-2, 0-1) as both teams are still in search of their first league win this season.
Aptos vs. Hollister, football, Friday at 7:30pm: The Mariners (3-1) begin PCAL Gabilan Division play against a Haybalers (3-1) squad that has won two straight, including last week’s 27-7 victory over Alisal in non-league play.
Watsonville vs. Monte Vista Christian, football, Saturday at 7pm: The ‘Catz (2-2) defense will attempt to slow down an explosive Mustangs (2-2) offense that features the dynamic duo of quarterback Dominic Pierini and receiver Nico Downie.
This week’s edition of the Weeklys Sports Ticker highlights local prep athletes for their performances during the week of Sept. 16-22. Coaches and athletic directors are encouraged to submit scores and highlights to jr****@we*****.com. Follow sports editor Juan Reyes (@jmreyes831) on Twitter for scores and news updates.
