Three Koala Women Compete in Distance Events at Montreat

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC - The Columbia College distance track team competed at the Montreat College Open on Friday and Saturday.

Senior Indoor All-American Dorde Racic led the Koalas finishing first and setting a school record in the 5000m Race walk on Saturday. He recorded a school-record time of 22:36 for the win.

Teammate Kristian Sanchez also competed in two events for the Koalas at Montreat running in the 800 meters on Saturday and the 5000 meter race on Friday. Sanchez finished 33rd in the 800 meters in a time of 2:18 while placing 13th in the 5K race in a time of 18:10.

The women also had three women competing at Montreat as well. Senior Juliana Gonzalez led the ladies placing 8th in the 800 meters on Saturday and was 9th in the 1500 meters. Gonzalez was 8th of 23 with a time of 2:35 while teammate, sophomore Avarose Buccino, was 11th in the 800 in a time of 2:44.

In the 1500 meters on Friday, Gonzalez was 9th of 19 with a time of 5:17. Buccino then made her season debut in the 3000m steeplechase on Friday finishing 2nd in a time of 14:04 to qualify for the AAC conference meet in April.

Junior Jennyfer Vigueras also competed for the Koalas placing 14th in the women's 5K in 22:21 but was 5th among NAIA schools. Vigueras then placed 1st in the 5000m Race Walk in a time of 39:56 to qualify for the conference meet also.