Kimumba wins her heats with two PRs at Soka Invitational

Marie Kimumba won her heats in the 60 and 200 meters on Saturday at the Soka Invitational in Aliso Niguel.

The Vaqueros competed against four-year NAIA schools like Westmont, Vanguard and Concordia as well as community colleges like Mt. SAC, Saddleback and West L.A.

Kimumba, a freshman from Stockholm, Sweden, ran a personal-record of 7.84 in the 60 meters. She won her heat in the 200 and finished third in the overall time comparison behind two Concordia runners in a personal-best 25.81, just missing the 10th spot on the Vaqueros' top-10 list.

Christy Chavira was third in the 3,000 in 11:30.25. Alana Ochoa took second in the weight throw (13.22m, 43-4½) and third in the shot put (10.81m).

"Once again, we competed in a track meet with mostly 4-year schools in the NAIA division," said coach Scott Santella. "The entire team stepped it up this week. Just about everyone ran faster than they did at Westmont and many athletes competed for the first time this season and did well.

"Marie Kimumba is improving rapidly and will be someone to watch. Alana Ochoa continues to be a top contender in the throws."

The Vaqueros will compete in the WSC Relays on Friday at Bakersfield College.