“Nina’s ready to contest for the title,” Lopez said. “[The women] are very hungry and very positive. I don’t think we’re overconfident.”
The Vaqueros women come into the meet on a torrid streak of wins in their last seven meets, including their fourth straight Southern California title on Nov. 7.
In that race, as well as the Southern California Preview Meet on Oct. 16 and the Foothill Invitational on Oct. 3, the Vaqueros defeated their nemesis, Orange Coast. But their last loss came at the Fresno Invitational on Sept. 12, where they were bested by the Pirates at Woodward Park for the second time in a row going back to the 2008 championships.
“Last time we were in Fresno, the women didn’t run very well,” Lopez said. “It’s good to go back because we know that if we don’t focus and concentrate on what we’re doing and think we’re going to win just by showing up, it’s not gonna work that way.”
Brianna Jauregui and Rosa Del Toro (third and fifth, respectively, in the Southern California title win) figure strongly, along with Moore, Karen Rosas and Angelina Gonzalez, to get All-American honors with a top-28 finish.
San Bernardino Valley College is an overwhelming favorite to capture its fourth straight men’s title, while Hartnell College’s Daniel Tapia, who hasn’t lost a race this season, may have the inside track on the individual crown.
But Lopez is confident the Vaqueros, who finished third in Southern California, can put on a strong showing behind Frankie Quijada, Jonathan Alpizar and Rico Guiterrez.
“We’re looking for Frankie to be a first-team All-American,” Lopez said. “The guys are looking good. ...If we come back with a third-place trophy, I’ll be very happy.”
