Steeplechasers lead the charge at prelims

The Saddleback women's track & field team had a handful of qualifiers for next weekend's Southern California Regional Finals at the prelims this past weekend at Antelope Valley College.  The Gauchos should be tough to beat in the steeplechase next weekend.

Saddleback had a freshman dominated lineup this spring, many of which have made great strides.  The Gauchos had a chance to show off their growth at the prelims in Lancaster this weekend.

The Saddleback steeplechase team of Rachel Oberschelp and Angelica Vallier were impressive, finishing 3-4 respectively to qualify for this weekend's finals.  Oberschelp, a sophomore from Capistrano Valley High School finished third in the 3,000 meter race in a time of 12:19.37.  It was a bit off a personal-best time, be easily qualified her for the finals.  Vallier (pictured) is a freshman from Mission Viejo High School and finished the race in 12:28.52.  Like Oberschelp, it was a bit off her personal-best time but managed to give her a fourth place finish for the weekend and qualify her for the finals.

Another moving on to the finals is freshman Caroline Dagarin (Mission Viejo HS) after a strong finish in the 1,500 meters.  Dagarin finished the race in 4:59.31 to finish seventh overall.  It was the second best time of the year for Dagarin, who finished fourth in her heat.

The Saddleback women will travel to Antelope Valley College for the Southern California Finals this Saturday.