Jumpers and Hurdlers Highlight Pirate Track Opener

The Ventura College men's and women's track and field teams opened their 2015 season with a trip to Bakersfield competing in the Battle of the Regions hosted by Bakersfield College. The men's team placed sixth while the women grabbed the fifth spot out of the 11 teams entered. Sophomore Dylan Roberts had a strong day for the VC men with two golds while freshman Marissa Tobin set a new school record in the pole vault for the women.

On the men's side, Roberts lead the Pirates taking first place in both the long and triple jump events. Montre Lee finished third in the men's 100 meters taking the only other top-3 finish of the day for the men.

For the Pirate women, Emily Stephenson took first place in the long jump and tied for first with teammate Alisha Greenlaw in the triple jump. Greenlaw started her day with a win in the 100 meter hurdles, running 15.37, producing a top-5 performance in her first collegiate competition.

Topping off the day was a school record performance by Tobin in the pole vault. Her vault of 10'6" added 4" to the old school record.

"I was hoping for a few more top-4 finishes, but the team showed good effort, which is always a positive indication of better times and distances later in the year," commented head coach Tony Veney.

The Pirates continue their season Friday Feb. 20 as host of the Western State Conference Relays. Field events begin at 11:00 am with the first running event starting at 11:15 at the VC Sportsplex.