Huskies Finish Third at Orange Coast Classic

by Cerwin D Haynes

(thumbnail by Romina Autique)

Enjoying some time off during her spring break, 2024 State Champion and Huskies' alum Marbella Flores took in some of her alma mater's action today in Costa Mesa. When she took home the title for the 5000m, she was the lone Husky projected to qualify for State all season long. 

But this season is shaping up to be more than a one-woman act: East Los Angeles College women's track and field team turned in a strong all-around performance at the Orange Coast Classic 2026, finishing third in the team standings with 69 points against a competitive field.

ELAC's distance group (where Flores excelled) led the way with several top finishes. Jasmine Hernandez highlighted the meet with a second-place finish in the 1500 meters, crossing the line in 5:09.23. Teammate Renata Cuevas placed fourth in 5:10.72, while Xitlali Gomez finished sixth in 5:18.78 as the Huskies placed three runners in the top six. Hernandez followed with another standout effort in the 5000 meters, placing second overall in 19:55.81. Gomez added more points for the Huskies with a fourth-place finish in 20:26.58.

The Pack also found success in the throws. Julie Benavides delivered a standout meet, finishing second in the discus with a throw of 31.36 meters and third in the javelin (23.54m). Teammate Ariana Duran placed third in the discus (31.26m) and fourth in the javelin (22.46m), while also scoring in the shot put with a fourth-place mark of 9.41m.

"We have depth this year", stated head coach Milton Browne. "This is really our true, second meet - we had some competitions earlier on but they were more like prep meets".

Host Orange Coast College Pirates captured the women's team title.

HUSKY BITS

• Cuevas also scored in the 800 meters, finishing sixth in 2:31.24, while Brisa Ayala placed 10th in the 1500 meters and Cassidy Quintanar added another scoring effort in the 800 meters.
• ELAC closed the meet with a fourth-place finish in the women's 4x400 relay, clocking 4:35.25.

UP NEXT:

The Pack will make their annual trip down to San Diego next Friday for the Arnie Robinson Invitation at San Deigo Mesa College.