Panthers track and field eclipses Titans, picks up first EYL win

Porterville track and field brushed the monkey off its back with a dual victory over Cesar Chavez at Jacob Rankin Stadium, Wednesday.

The Panthers (1-3 EYL) won their first EYL meet and next prepare for the Tulare County meet on April 23.

Porterville boys racked up 78 total points to Chavez's score of 52. 

Jordan Reader (1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs) and Diego Paniagua (discus throw and shot put) each picked up a pair of first-place finishes.

Shane Yacuta, fresh off a stellar wrestling campaign, won the 800-meter run and was part of the Panthers' first-place 4x400-meter relay team that included Reader, Joey McIntire and Will Samarin.

Jimmy Sanchez (300-meter hurdles), Zac Wilkins (high jump) and Robert Herrera (triple jump) also collected top finishes.

Allison James (100-meter and 300-meter hurdles) and Rikki Rodriguez (long jump and triple jump) also medaled multiple times to pace the Panthers' winning score of 69 points to the Titans' 67.

Diana Velasquez sprinted with the best time in the 100-meter dash and helped push a 4x400-meter relay team including Alia Alvarez, Bailey Volaski and Hiedi Adams to first place.

Ashlei Esparza (high jump) and Alley Henry (long jump) turned in the top performances of their respective categories.