Eagles girls team holds on for win

Steve Virgen

A scene in the 3,200 meters spoke volumes about Estancia High’s

approach in its girls track and field matchup against visiting

Westminster Thursday. Diana Rosete, the Eagles’ senior distance

runner, paced herself in the race, and as she approached the final

100 meters of the second-to-last lap, Coach Charlie Appell repeatedly

asked if she was OK.

“I’m fine,” Rosete shouted out as she ran past the coach.

Appell apparently had good reason to worry. He wanted to make sure

Rosete, as well as other Estancia athletes, had enough energy to

compete in today’s Poway Invitational.

“I want her to be ready,” Appell said, while keeping his eye on

Rosete’s stride. “She’s seeded in the 3,200 and she’ll need her

energy.”

Appell’s concern aside, the Eagles were still able to defeat

Westminster, 74-63, as Estancia secured the Golden West League

victory even before Rosete’s finish in the 3,200. Rosete finished

second, just two-tenths behind the Westminster winner.

Rosete won the 800 (2:41.8), while junior Erika Plietez doubled,

winning the 100 (13.6) and the 200 (28.9). Appell was pleased with

Thursday’s results, particularly since the Eagles were doing their

best to save energy for the weekend.

“It was a good meet in that sense,” Appell said. “We didn’t run

our usual schedule, so I’m happy with the results.”

Rosete, junior Crystal Rincon and senior Ludi Valdez are among the

handful of Estancia athletes who will compete in the two-day Poway

Invitational.

Valdez won the 400 (1:05.6), contributed to the victorious 400

relay and finished second in the 100 and 300 hurdles. Senior Amanda

Abbott, who won the triple jump in 30 feet, 6 inches, and junior

Nancy Castro, who won the discus (83-5) also contributed to the

victory.

The Eagles are now 3-1 in league.