Escalante claims Southern Cal javelin title

SBCC's Jessica Escalante showed she's the best in the Southland on Saturday as she claimed the javelin title in the Southern Cal Women's Track & Field Championships at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

The sophomore from Dos Pueblos High threw a season-best 36.69 meters (120 feet, 4½ inches) and beat the runner-up, Raena Ramirez of Golden West, by two meters.

Olivia Loy qualified for the State Meet at College of San Mateo (May 15-16) by grabbing fifth in both the 200 (25.35) and 400 meters (57.68). The 4 x 100 relay was fifth in their second-fastest time of the year (48.48). The team consisted of Anyel Thomas, Loy, Marla Bonser and Escalante.

The 4 x 400 relay of Escalante, Michele Day, Bonser and Loy ran 4:10.45 but didn't advance to the State meet.

"What a great day for our women," said coach Scott Fickerson. "We qualfied all of our individuals and the 4 x 1 relay. I'm proud of their effort and their entire season.

"We are bringing a group of women to State that has a great chance of getting very high places. We should see many of them on the podium."