Women’s Cross Country Earns the “Perfect 15” Score, Wins OEC Championships
The perfect 15 score is like seeing a bald eagle. It's rare, but when you see it, you know it's something special.
For the first time since 2017, the Riverside City College women's cross country team hauled in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Championships and did so in flawless fashion. He Tigers took up the top five spots in the final standings leading to a perfect 15-point victory.
Leading the charge were sophomores Briana Rodriguez and Elani Huntley. They finished a mere four hundredths of a second between one another with Rodriguez edging out Huntley. Rodriguez's efforts earned her the 2021 OEC Women's Cross Country Individual Championship.
She is the first individual championship since Sarah Hollis '17. Rodriguez recorded mark of 20:53.2 to earn the gold medal.
Huntley finished with a second-place mark of 20:53.6, while freshman Helena Valdez earned the fifth-place spot at 21:26.7. Due to lack of participation on opposing teams, she was bumped up two positions to place third overall.
Freshman Laila Wright finished with a time of 22:36.7, while freshman Brianna Mendez-Espain capped the top five runners for Riverside with a 22:41.5. time.
"We just wanted to execute the game plan that coach Wilson put together," said Head Coach Damien Smith. "Sit and let roll them roll on their heals, then roll right behind everyone. Then, we tried to get as far as we could in front of the Saddleback girls."
They executed to perfection as the Rodriguez-Huntley combo defeated Saddleback's top runner. Their game plan lead to the historic finish.
"The 'Perfect 15' was definitely not a bucket list accomplishment. We never thought about it and it wasn't a goal, but still pretty cool. We are happy the girls competed."
Smith was satisfied with the one-two punch from Rodriguez and Huntley.
"They have been doing what we have expected of them. They get better each week. They keep the gap tight."
It was a true photo finish and Smith was pumped about the effort.
"They even raced against each other at the end. I am happy they competed against each other even though there wasn't anyone else.
With the OEC Championship in the books, it is all about the state championship meet.
We have to continue to work on grouping it up. There are a couple of good teams ahead of us in the rankings, but we feel like we can beat them. The goal is to end up on the podium for the first time since 2002."