RESULTS

HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay women's track and field team had a productive day in its season-opening Leap Day meet Saturday afternoon at Chabot College.

Coming off the most successful cross country season in program history with a ninth-place national finish last fall, the Pioneers look to pick up right where they left off.

"It's exciting," said East Bay head coach Tony Nicolosi. "We've been working hard, and obviously the fall was pretty special.

"We've been eager to get going and it was definitely a lot of fun today. There's a lot of positive energy."

The dual meet with California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) foe Sonoma State featured only a handful events, but was highlighted by strong performances by freshman Veronica Valenton.

In her first collegiate meet, the Livermore, Calif., native placed first in the 1500 with a time of 4-minutes, 59.15-seconds, not too far off from the NCAA provisional mark of 4:32.89. Valenton finished just ahead of freshmen teammates Alyssa Gallegos (5:11.55), Brooke Stevenson (5:34.88) as well as junior Jodi Go (5:37.92).

In addition, Valenton took first in the 800 after crossing the finish line in 2:29.58.

CSUEB's 4x400 relay team of Stevenson, Katrionna Furness, Gallegos and Go posted a time of 4:50.16, while junior Claire Fisher (22:37.80) and sophomore Gisel Juarez (22:37.99) posted solid times in the 5000. For Juarez, it was a new personal record for the event.

"It's all about getting some experience for our younger runners who haven't had a chance to compete in uniform yet," said Nicolosi. "Just to kind of get the jitters out and understand what it's like to compete in a college track meet."

Cal State East Bay resumes action next weekend at the Kim Duyst Invitational hosted by Stanislaus State on March 7.