Girls track and field: Vega ready for PCL Finals

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - Two weeks ago, Estancia High junior Violeta Vega

produced her personal best in the shot put with a 30-foot throw. But,

that was in practice.

Though she did not repeat the personal-best mark in the Eagles’ 85-42

loss to visiting University Wednesday, she is optimistic about her

chances in next week’s Pacific Coast League preliminaries and finals. The

prelims are set for Monday at 2 p.m. at Irvine High.

“I practiced during Spring Break,” Vega said. “I want to get (the

personal best) in a regular meet.”

Vega, who has placed in the top three in the shot put and discus in

every dual meet this season, grabbed second in the shot (27-11) and third

in the discus (79-3 1/2) against the Trojans.

Last year, Vega earned perhaps her most substantial victory when she

won a $10,000 scholarship for her four-page essay on “A girl has a right

to express herself.” Her essay was the best in Orange County for the

Girls Incorporated competition.

This season, Vega expresses herself with power and technique. She said

she continues to improve despite experiencing some early-season

inconsistency.

“She has the tendency to underestimate herself,” Estancia throwing

coach Gabe Osso said. He also noted her throwing technique has developed

throughout the season.

“Some people have a lot of strength,” Osso said. “But, what it comes

down to is, the people with the strength and the technique are better.”

Estancia’s Geider twins, Hanni and Jasmine, displayed strength and

technique against University. Despite battling the flu, they grabbed a

first-place finish each.

Jasmine Geider won the 100 meters (12.96), while Hanni Geider

triumphed in the 200 (26.86) and finished second in the 100 (13.0).

Estancia girls coach Joan Carlisle said Jasmine Geider was sicker than

her twin.

“Go figure,” Carlisle said.

The Geider twins, along with freshman Crystal Rincon and senior Sarah

Marx, won the 400 relay in 53.07, while University’s relay team finished

in 53.97.

Estancia senior Liz Huipe grabbed first in the 3,200 (12.22.11) and

second in the 1,600 (5:36.58). Eagles sophomore Diana Rosete came in

behind Huipe in both races, finishing second in the 3,200 (12:33.76) and

third in the 1,600 (5:49.0).

Carlisle said a team win was not important and that shooting for

personal bests was the bigger goal in preparation for the postseason.

Because of the number of athletes on the Trojans’ team, Carlisle did

not expect to win.

“We’re used to this,” Carlisle said of the difference in numbers.

“That’s why the upcoming change in league might help us a bit.”