Girls cross country: Down the stretch

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - After a strong preseason of training in the Yosemite

hills, the Costa Mesa High girls cross country team is returning to sea

level and is ready for the long climb in the Pacific Coast League.

“We just got back from cross country camp and we really had some

strong workouts,” Mesa Coach Eric Davies said. “We’ve got good team

chemistry and we have some experienced runners who have put in a lot of

work in the off-season.”

Two of those experienced Mustang runners are seniors Eileen Bello and

Cindy Tran. The twosome were part of the Mustangs’ last team of success

in 1998, where Mesa, led by Daily Pilot Female Athlete of the Year Jamie

DeNoewer, placed fifth in CIF Southern Section Division IV.

After a year hiatus, Tran and Bello returned to the Mustangs last year

and each had successful seasons. Davies expects them to help lead the

younger runners and provide the necessary work ethic to help Mesa improve

as a team.

Sophomore Kristen Bjelland returns for her second year of varsity

competition as does juniors Cara Doone and Lyndsay Gravis.

“Last year, we were a little green under the wings,” Davies said. “But

now, we have a veteran group and hopefully, this group has learned from

their experiences and will continue to improve.”

Adding to the veteran mix will be sophomores Stephanie Clements and

junior Perla Marroquin.

COSTA MESA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Eileen Bello Sr.

Christine Bjelland So.

Stephanie Clements So.

Cana Doone Jr.

Lyndsay Gravis Jr.

Perla Marroquin Jr.

Cindy Tran Sr.

Coach - Eric Davies