Etiwanda’s Alyssa Galindo became the latest player to receive a ball for each achievement.

Galindo scattered five hits and struck out six batters Saturday afternoon, and the junior also belted a two-run home run during the third inning in leading the Eagles to a 3-1 victory over King in the Division 3 championship game at Barber Park’s Deanna Manning Stadium.

This marks Etiwanda’s third softball championship in as many trips to the finals. The program previously won section titles in 2002 (Division 1) and 2009 (Division 2).

Galindo, who has committed to UTEP, recorded her 10th victory this season inside the circle. And the third-inning blast was Galindo’s team-leading 12th home run of the campaign.

“It’s something we’ve been accustomed to seeing. I’m not surprised to see her do it on the biggest stage,” Etiwanda coach Adrianna Brown said about Galindo’s pitching and hitting prowess.

Etiwanda (28-5) grabbed the lead in the second inning, when shortstop Brianna Gutierrez reached base on an error and scored on a second miscue in the inning by King’s defense.

King (19-10) squandered a chance to answer back in the bottom half of the second inning. Brooke Lebsock and Karsyn Sanchez had back-to-back singles to start toff the inning, but Galindo got a pair of groundouts and her first strikeout of the game to escape the jam.

Taylor Wren singled to open Etiwanda’s half of the third inning and moved to second on a bunt by Justyne Zabala. Galindo drove a pitch over the fence in right-center field to extend Etiwanda’s advantage to 3-0. Galindo jumped on the first offering from Mackenzie Carlone.

“I wasn’t looking for a specific pitch,” Galindo said. “The pitch was away, and I went with it.”

It was one of the few mistakes made by Carlone, a freshman who also impressed in the circle Saturday. Carlone allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits, walked none and struck out three.

Etiwanda had opportunities to add insurance runs later in the game, but Carlone rolled three straight ground balls to strand a runner at third in the fifth and also induced an inning-ending double play in the sixth.

“For being only a freshman, I’m very proud of her and the way she controlled her emotions,” King coach Lana Carlone said about her daughter. “She kept us in the game until the end.”

Galindo’s finest moment in Saturday’s game arguably came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Galindo allowed a leadoff single to Cheri Thompson but bounced back with three straight strikeouts.

“Everyone has that belief Alyssa will come through in a big situation like that,” Brown said.

Galindo had plenty of help from her defense, as well. King had a chance to break through in the third inning, but Etiwanda right fielder Karrington Bennett ended the threat when she fired a perfect one-hop throw to nail Mya Allen trying to advance from first to third on a single.

“I know that they have my back every game. It’s all about trusting one another,” Galindo said.

King’s lone run came when Lebsock scored on a steal of home in the sixth inning.

Galindo got a pair of pop-outs in the seventh, and her final strikeout of the game sealed the championship.

“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Galindo said of the celebration following the final out. “That’s the moment we have working for all season long.”

Lana Carlone, who took over King’s program this season, found silver linings in defeat.

“One of biggest goals was to get these players excited about playing for their high school team again,” Carlone said. “They said they want to keep on playing (in the state regional tournament), so that seems to have been accomplished.

“We’re young, and it’s going to be exciting to see what this experience can do for the program going forward.”

Etiwanda has until Tuesday to decide whether or not to opt-in for the CIF State regional tournament.

That’s exactly what happened Thursday on the Oaks/Creek course at Temecula Creek Inn, a first time host of the section’s individual championship tournament

Temescal Canyon senior and Grand Canyon University signee Nixon Lauritzen shot a 7-under-par 65, with an eagle, six birdies, and one lone bogey to lead three Inland golfers who advanced on to next week’s regional finals at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills. However, that was not enough for medalist honors, as Oaks Christian sophomore Max Emberson shot 64 to prevail.

“I struck the ball really well today and was able to give myself lots of scoring chances,” Emberson said. “When you get on a roll like that, waiting can be the hardest part, but I had a great group and enjoyed chatting with the guys I was playing with.”

Southern Section teams advancing to the regionals were San Marcos, Palm Desert, Orange Lutheran and Oaks Christian.

Lauritzen, who in three CIF Southern Section postseason rounds this year is 19 under par, started his day with a bogey. He then rattled off three birdies in a five-hole stretch on the Oaks layout as part of the championship’s opening nine

“This is probably the best I’ve putted in a long time,” Lauritzen said. “I came into today thinking first about making sure I was among those 28 who advanced. Once I got a couple under par, I started setting my sights on winning.”

After missing a short birdie at Creek’s first hole, he stuck an iron from 161 yards on the second hole to 10 feet and cashed in the birdie. Then at the par-five fourth, Lauritzen missed the fairway but executed a beautiful punch shot from under a tree that ended up just short of the green and chipped in for eagle to reach 6 under par.

Lauritzen made a pair of crucial up and downs, including a 10-foot par save at the seventh to stay in contention. Then, with Emberson’s 64 posted, he hit a fairway metal from 231 yards to about 20 feet on his last hole and narrowly missed the eagle to tie.

Monday, Lauritzen carded a round of 64 at Bear Valley Country Club in Victorville to help Temescal Canyon claim the section’s Division 6 team championship.

Also advancing from the Inland area were Roosevelt’s Remington Ly (70) and Chaparral’s Troy Song (73).

What was a 10-for-2 playoff with individual bids No. 27 and No. 28 at stake became seven after some headed home early.

Redlands’ Liam Hartling, a UC Riverside signee, was in that playoff after shooting a 74. Playing in the second group, he missed the green and could not get up and down for par and was eliminated. Also failing to advance were King’s Harlan Yapa (77), Yucaipa’s Tyler Price (80), and Los Osos’ Andy Yu (82).

Sparks flew on the second hole as Mission Viejo’s Parker Deutschman drained a 30-foot putt for birdie to advance. Westlake’s Jackson Turner then made a short putt for birdie to claim the final spot.

Six Inland teams have advanced to this year’s finals.

Ganesha, Liberty and North claimed titles last season and have found their way back to the finals this year. Etiwanda seeks its program’s third section crown, while King is looking to win for the second time. Jurupa Valley is in the finals for the first time.

Here is a look at the five championship games involving Inland teams.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Division 8

Jurupa Valley (19-12) vs. Hesperia Christian (18-5), 10 a.m.

IE Varsity info: Jurupa Valley ended a seven-year playoff drought this season and reached the section finals for the first time in program history. The No. 2-seeded Jaguars have outscored their three playoff opponents by a combined score of 45-9, including a 10-2 victory over Excelsior Charter in the semifinals. Sophomore Taylor Martin has recorded 33 strikeouts over 19 innings in the postseason. The offense is led by freshman infielder Samantha Macias, sophomore right fielder Veronica Montoya, junior center fielder Crystal Macias and freshman left fielder Sophia Padilla. Hesperia Christian is the No. 1 seed and seeks the program’s first title in its third trip to the finals. The Patriots are led offensively by sophomore shortstop Eden Skinner and freshman third baseman Riley Piorkowski. Senior Macy Piorkowksi will be in the circle for the championship game.

Division 6

Ganesha (21-0) vs. Viewpoint (17-2-1), 1 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Ganesha captured the Division 7 section title last year. The Giants returned several starters from the program’s first championship team and added some talented freshmen. Junior Kalena Lemus pitched a shutout in last year’s championship game, and she is 14-0 with a 0.71 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 69 innings this season. Freshman left fielder Lacy VanTuinen leads the team with a .608 average, 10 homers and 35 runs and ranks second with 34 RBIs. Senior third baseman Mikayla Martinez is batting .603 with a team-high 35 RBIs, and freshman catcher Hollyn Gentry is hitting .600.  Viewpoint is the No. 3 seed and has reached the finals for the first time since winning the Division 7 crown in 2008. Sophomore pitcher Emjay Peck (17-2, 0.58 ERA, 290 Ks in 119 2/3 IP) will be in the circle for the Patriots. Junior catcher Carly Nelson leads the team with a .615 batting average.

Division 4

North (17-13) vs. Paraclete (29-2), 4 p.m.

IE Varsity info: North won the Division 6 championship last season, and the Huskies have caught fire in the playoffs to make the program’s third finals appearance in seven years. North was not included in the final Division 4 rankings but took out No. 1 seed Oxnard in the opening round.  The offense is led by junior shortstop Angelina Martinez (.444, 30 runs), sophomore third baseman Jade Jorrin (.437, 44 RBIs), and freshman second baseman Xochitl Frias (.424, 33 runs). Sophomore Remy Martinez is the team’s ace and threw a shutout in last year’s championship game. Paraclete is making its 10th appearance in the section finals under legendary coach Margaret Neill (864 wins in 45 seasons). The Spirits seek the program’s third section title and first since 2016. Senior pitcher Jamie Sencion has registered 46 strikeouts in 26 playoff innings.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Division 5

Liberty (22-6) vs. Cerritos Valley Christian (17-6), 1 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Liberty won the 2023 Division 5 championship in the program’s second varsity season and returned nearly every player from last season’s squad. The Bison have outscored their four playoff opponents by a combined score of 44-11. Junior Janessa Giugliano was the winning pitcher in last season’s final and brings a 13-3 record into this year’s championship game. The offense is led by junior right fielder Attiana Thompson (.560, 35 runs), senior shortstop Kaylee Fraund (.494, 39 runs, 29 RBIs) and sophomore third baseman Julianna Larson (.442, 10 HR, 33 RBIs). Valley Christian is making its fifth trip to the finals and seeks the program’s third crown. Sophomore catcher Peyton Kingery is batting. 684 and hit three home runs in the semis.

Division 3

Etiwanda (27-5) vs. King (19-9), 4 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Etiwanda is seeking the program’s third section championship in as many trips to the finals. The Eagles won the Division 1 title in 2002 and the Division 2 crown in 2009. The No. 4-seeded Eagles have outscored four playoff opponents by a combined score of 23-3, including a 5-1 win over top-seeded West Torrance in the semifinals. Etiwanda has a deep staff, but junior Alyssa Galindo (9-2, 0.89 ERA) is expected to be in the circle. Galindo also leads the team with a .521 average and 11 homers and ranks second with 34 RBIs. Junior second basemen Taylor Wren is hitting .459 with a team-high 35 RBIs. King is making its fourth appearance in the section finals and seeks the program’s second title (Division 3 champs in 2002). The Wolves also are looking to be one of the few teams to win a section title despite having to start in the wild-card round. Junior left fielder Gianna Gusman leads the team with a .459 average, and sophomore shortstop Brooke Lebsock is batting .413 with 27 RBIs. Freshman pitcher Mackenzie Carlone has posted a 4-0 record and 1.66 ERA in the playoffs.

Three Inland teams have advanced to this year’s finals.

Corona seeks its program’s first section championship in 26 years, while Colony and Chino Hills look to win for the first time

Here is a look at the three section finals involving Inland teams.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Division 6

Colony (25-6-1) vs. Village Christian (19-7-1), 1 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Colony has reached the section final for the first time in program history and brings an 18-game winning streak into the Division 6 championship game. The second-seeded Titans punched their ticket with a 10-6 victory over Rancho Mirage in Tuesday’s semifinal round. Senior Steven Gonzalez (9-1, 1.53 ERA, 77 Ks in 59 2/3 IP) is the projected starting pitcher for the title game. Gonzalez has allowed just one unearned run in 12 innings in the playoffs. Colony’s offense in led by senior catcher Connor Rangel (.382, 35 runs, 31 RBIs), senior designated hitter Diego Martinez-Gomez (.363, 30 runs), and senior outfielders Jacob Castro (.360, 31 runs, 29 RBI) and Jacob Pulido (.320, 33 runs). Village Christian has reached the finals for the first time since 2014. The Crusaders are led on offense by senior shortstop Ethan Tibert (,408, 25 runs) and junior designated hitter Gavin Chase (.359, 26 RBIs). Village Christian will turn to senior Joshua Popjes (5-2, 2.18 ERA) on the mound. Popjes has thrown two complete games in the postseason, allowing one run in each game,

 Division 5

Chino Hills (20-8-2) vs. Santa Monica (21-7), 4 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Chino Hills seeks the program’s first section crown in its second trip to the finals (Division 2 runner-up in 2015). The pitching staff has been outstanding in these playoffs, allowing only two runs in four games. Sophomore Brody Buoncristiani (9-2, 0.48 ERA, 62 Ks in 58 2/3 IP) is expected to get the start for the No. 2-seeded Huskies. Buoncristiani has allowed only one unearned run in 11 2/3 playoff innings, and he also tops the team with a .350 average this season. Junior shortstop Frankie Brazil has scored a team-high 21 runs, and sophomore third baseman Andrew Baldomino leads the squad with 18 RBIs. Santa Monica is making its fourth trip to the finals, and the top-seeded Vikings seek to win the program’s first section championship since 1973. Santa Monica will turn to its ace, senior Jackson Klein (10-1, 0.46 ERA, 101 Ks in 76 IP). The Vikings are led on offense by junior second baseman Isaac Liberman (.341) and junior shortstop Satinover (.310)

SATURDAY’S GAME

Division 1

Corona (29-3) vs. Harvard-Westlake (27-4-1), 7:30 p.m.

IE Varsity info: Corona has had some close calls during the postseason, but the Panthers have the chance to become the first No. 1 seed to win the Division 1 baseball championship in 22 years. This is Corona’s fifth trip to the finals, and the Panthers are looking to capture the program’s third section title and first since 1998. Senior Ethan Schiefelbein (7-0, 0.31 ERA, 74 Ks in 45 IP) will be handed the ball for the championship game. The UCLA signee and MLB draft prospect has allowed two runs all season. Sophomore center fielder Anthony Murphy is the offensive table-setter, and he leads the team with a .392 average and 36 runs. Junior utility player Seth Hernandez is hitting .363 with team highs of eight home runs and 34 RBIs. Junior shortstop and closer Billy Carlson has hit three home runs in the playoffs and also has registered three saves. Harvard-Westlake is the No. 2 seed in the bracket. The Wolverines have reached the section finals for the sixth time and seek the program’s second Division 1 title in four years. Harvard-Westlake’s top player is senior shortstop Bryce Rainer, who has signed with Texas but is expected to be one of the first high school players chosen in the MLB Draft. Wake Forest-bound senior Duncan Marsten will get the start on the mound.

Jimmy Rodriguez took a closer look and saw what others might have missed: potential.

Once upon a time in the 1990s, Jurupa Valley was among the top softball programs in the Inland Empire and competed in the Mountain View League against the likes of Corona, Centennial, Norco, Murrieta Valley and eventually Santiago. And it was Rodriguez who guided the Jaguars to those successes. Rodriguez departed after the 1999 campaign and had coaching stints at California Baptist University (2001-03) and Chaffey College (2004-15).

In more recent years, Rodriguez has coached all three levels of softball at Rubidoux High School, as well as the school’s wrestling programs. Last season, he caught a glimpse of Jurupa Valley’s varsity softball team. And when the head coaching position opened up, Rodriguez told Jurupa Valley athletic director Ric Slagle he was interested in applying.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Is there something you know that I don’t?’” Rodriguez said. “The day he told me that the job was available, I started making plans. I figured if the players bought in to what I was trying to teach, then we might be able to make something special happen.”

And so they have.

Jurupa Valley won the Mountain Valley League championship this season, marking the program’s first league title since Rodriguez guided the Jaguars to the Mountain View League crown in 1998. And Friday at 10 a.m. at Barber Park in Irvine, Jurupa Valley (19-12) will play in its first CIF Southern Section softball final, taking on Hesperia Christian (18-5) in the Division 8 championship game.

“It would be a wonderful moment no matter what program it was with, but it’s definitely even more special to me that it is Jurupa Valley,” said Rodriguez, who celebrated his 74th birthday on Monday. “But I’m happiest for the girls, though. They have worked hard all year for this moment and opportunity.

“I told them that I would do my best to lead them to the promised land. Now is their chance to create a moment that will last a lifetime.”

Rodriguez breathed life into a fledging program during his initial stint at Jurupa Valley, guiding the Jaguars to a share of the Mountain View League championship and a trip to the semifinals his first season in charge (1992). Jurupa Valley made a second trip to the semifinals in 1998, and Rodriguez was chosen the Riverside County coach of the year in 1997 and 1998.

After the 1999 season, Rodriguez decided to explore other opportunities and eventually landed at California Baptist University.

“When I left, the program (at Jurupa Valley), it was still in good shape. And I hoped it would always be that way,” Rodriguez said.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. From 2000 to 2023, the program qualified for the CIF Southern Section postseason twice and lost in the wildcard round each time. Jurupa Valley’s last playoff win before this season was during that semifinal run in 1998.

And the program struggled mightily following the return from COVID. The Jaguars did not field a team in 2021 and went 0-19 in their return to the diamond in 2022. Jurupa Valley won a handful of games last season but had to forfeit all but two of those wins because a few players were playing high school and rec ball games simultaneously, a violation of CIF Southern Section rules.

And still, Rodriguez was not deterred from taking the reins again.

“They had a good pitcher and catcher. That’s a start,” Rodriguez recalled thinking. “And when I took the job, we had three very good freshman coming into the program. The pieces started to fall into place. We just had to find a way to put them together.”

Some players might have had doubts and reservations about a septuagenarian being their coach. Sophomore pitcher Taylor Martin was not one of those, however, because her mother, Jamie, played for Rodriguez at Jurupa Valley during the 1990s.

Martin even encouraged a couple of players with softball experience who had not played in prior seasons to come out for the team.

“I think he has been a big difference for the team,” Taylor Martin said about Rodriguez. “All of our coaches are encouraging, and they take the time to explain everything to you. He will stop a practice and talk with you until you understand what he’s saying.”

This turnaround has not been some magic trick on Rodriguez’s part. His coaching philosophy is quite simple.

“It’s all about hustle and attitude,” Rodriguez said. “When you take care of those things, a lot of things will start to fall in place.”

And it didn’t take long for things to sink in.

“You could see right away the difference that he was making,” said shortstop Samantha Amancio, who is one of three freshmen on the roster. “No matter what the score is, he always has belief in us. There are always encouraging words.”

Rodriguez is hoping this season is just the first step in a long renaissance for the program.

“I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon,” he said. “I think a year like this is going to get a lot of people excited about playing softball at Jurupa Valley.”

Name: Jayden Epps

School: Paloma Valley

Sport: Track and Field

Year: Senior

Noteworthy: Epps claimed the Division 1 title in the boys discus at the CIF Southern Section finals at Moorpark High School, winning the title with a mark of 187 feet, 7 inches. He is the first boys track and field athlete in school history to win a section championship. Epps is in the midst of a remarkable late-season run. His personal best entering April was a 147-10, but Epps has improved that at four straight events. The mark at the division finals was the best across all four divisions, making Epps the top seed for Saturday’s Masters Meet.

Name: Alyssa Galindo

School: Etiwanda

Sport: Softball

Year: Junior

Noteworthy: Galindo delivered two strong performances inside the circle, helping the Eagles reach the CIF Southern Section’s Division 3 championship game. She tossed a three-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts against Redondo in the quarterfinals, and she allowed only one run in the semifinal victory over top-seeded West Torrance. Etiwanda faces King for the Division 3 title Saturday at 4 p.m. at Barber Park in Irvine. Galindo has been a dual threat for the Eagles this season. She is 9-2 with a 0.89 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 94 1/3 innings. Galindo also leads the team with a .521 average and 11 home runs and ranks second with 34 RBIs.

Competition in the field events will start at 11:30 a.m., with running events scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

There are 69 Inland athletes (41 boys, 28 girls) qualified for individual events, as well as 14 relay teams (seven boys, seven girls).

The top six finishers in each event advance automatically to the CIF State Championships (May 24-25 at Buchanan High School in Clovis). Athletes can also qualify for the state meet by meeting predetermined at-large times and marks.

Five Inland girls athletes posted the top qualifying time or mark in their respective events at this past weekend’s division finals: Chaparral’s Keelan Wright (200 meters), Santiago’s Braelyn Combe (1,600) and Rylee Blade (3,200), Vista Murrieta’s Aspen Fears (pole vault) and Valley View’s Amara Thomas (high jump). Santiago is the top seed for the 4 x 800 relay.

Four Inland boys athletes are the top seed in their respective events: Murrieta Mesa’s Arthur Celestine (110 hurdles), Paloma Valley’s Jayden Epps (discus), Beaumont’s Tyrus Murguia (long jump) and Vista del Lago’s Jordan Carter (triple jump).

Here is the list of Inland qualifiers, listed in order of qualifying position. Times and marks from the division finals are included.

BOYS

100 meters: 5. Jeremiah Harris (Roosevelt) 10.59; 6. Jaevin Sawyer (San Gorgonio) 10.63.

200: 2. Jeremiah Harris (Roosevelt) 21.21; 8. Rodney Sermons (Rancho Cucamonga) 21.51; 9. Jackson Morgan (Temescal Canyon) 21.52.

400: 7. Dontae Smith (North) 48.13. Alternates: 10. Donovan Ralls (Patriot) 48.46; 11. Kylan Green (Vista Murrieta) 48.48.

800: 8. Jack Paradise (Great Oak) 1:53.02; 10. Juan Juarez (Liberty) 1:53.27.

1,600: 8. Westin Brown (Great Oak) 4:08.70; 9. Gabriel Rodriguez (Great Oak) 4:09.79.

3,200: 9. Eyan Turk (Woodcrest Christian) 9:02.79; 10. Maximo Zavaleta (King) 9:03.30. Alternate: Ethan Parcells (Rim of the World) 9:06.53.

110 hurdles: 1. Arthur Celestine (Murrieta Mesa) 14.06; 2. Daniel Wimbush (Rancho Cucamonga) 14.09; 6. Joab Vela (Vista Murrieta) 14.27; William Isaiah Bright (Murrieta Mesa) 14.31. Alternate: 11. Dillon Carolina (San Gorgonio) 14.52.

300 hurdles: 1. Daniel Agbelusi (Beaumont) 37.40; 4. Arthur Celestine (Murrieta Mesa) 38.12. Alternates: 10. Cayden Roberson (Roosevelt) 38.65; 11. Daniel Wimbush (Rancho Cucamonga) 38.79.

400 relay: 3. Rancho Cucamonga 41.25; 7. Murrieta Valley 41.80; 8. Great Oak 41.82.

1,600 relay: 6. Rancho Cucamonga 3:17.82.

3,200 relay: 5. King 7:49.56; 9. Great Oak 7:51.54; 16. Claremont 7:59.45.

High jump: T2. Jeremiah Wiley (Elsinore) 6-6; T6. Nathaniel Baca (Ayala) 6-4; T6. Julian Moore (Vista Murrieta) 6-4; T6. Exzavior Oliver (Grand Terrace) 6-4.

Pole vault: 2. Jaden McKee (King) 15-7; T4. Michael Cullen (Redlands) 15-1; T8. Evan Kim (Vista Murrieta) 14-7; T10. David O’Brien (Roosevelt) 14-1.

Shot put: 5. Benjamin Lingenfelter (Yucaipa) 54-6; 6. Drew Harisay (Etiwanda) 54-5; 9. Miking Cash (San Bernardino) 52-5; 12. Noah Buchanan (Murrieta Mesa) 51-0 1/2.

Discus: 1. Jayden Epps (Paloma Valley) 187-7; 3. Joseph Garcia (Elsinore) 165-1; 4. Benjamin Lingenfelter (Yucaipa) 174-4; 5. Ethan Nuechterlein (Vista Murrieta) 171-9; 6. John Emmerling (Murrieta Valley) 168-8; 7. Omar Sanchez (Norco) 165-5. Alternates: 13. Diego Ogata (Chino) 156-9; 14. David Trujillo (Ontario) 155-5.

Long jump: 1. Tyrus Murguia (Beaumont) 22-7; 5. Nicolas Alexis (Great Oak) 22-1 1/2; 6. Julian Scarbrough (Redlands) 22-1 1/4; 11. Amari Reed (Santiago) 21-8.

Triple jump: 1. Jordan Carter (Vista del Lago) 46-7 1.4); 2, Kosi Nwafor (Vista Murrieta) 46-4 1/4; 6. Nicolas Alexis (Great Oak) 45-9 1/2; 7. Andrew Robinson (Great Oak) 45-8 1/2; 8. Dillon Carolina (San Gorgonio) 45-8.

GIRLS

100 meters: 2. Keelan Wright (Chaparral) 11.55.

200: 1. Keelan Wright (Chaparral) 23,68; 3. Kayla McBride (Ayala) 23.72.

400: 2. Kayla McBride (Ayala) 53.81.

800: 3. L’Mio Edwards (Claremont) 2:10.01; 5. Braelyn Combe (Santiago) 2:11.01. Alternate: 14. Megan Charley (Ontario Christian) 2:13.91.

1,600: 1. Braelyn Combe (Santiago) 4:45.56; 5. Sofia Lieberman (Murrieta Valley) 4:50.12; Megan Crum (Temescal Canyon) 4:50.21; L’Mio Edwards (Claremont) 4:50.31; 9. Jordin Lieberman (Murrieta Valley) 4:50.33.

3,200: 1. Rylee Blade (Santiago) 10:14.97; 9. Erika Kirk (Vista Murrieta) 10:38.58; 10. Arielle Avina (Murrieta Valley) 10:39.16.

100 hurdles: 5. Kylani Gaines (Riverside Poly) 14.37.

300 hurdles: 6. Jaylen Spencer (Vista Murrieta) 44.24.

400 relay: 4. Ayala 46.48.

1,600 relay: 6. Ayala 3:51.67. Alternate: 10. Claremont 3:54.46.

3,200 relay: 1. Santiago 9:04.87; 5. King 9:20.37; 12. Chino Hills 9:33.06; 13. Claremont 9:33.60; 14. Riverside Poly 9:34.24.

High jump: T1. Amara Thomas (Valley View) 5-6; T7. Makena Bailey (Chino Hills) 5-4; T7. Allie Goetz (Murrieta Valley) 5-4; T7. Emoree Smith (Vista Murrieta) 5-4.

Pole vault: 1. Aspen Fears (Vista Murrieta) 13-1; T2. Michal Coates (Great Oak) 12-7; T12: Katelyn Suemnick (Chaparral) 11-7; T11. Mia Cerecdez (Alta Loma) 11-7.

Shot put: 9. Su’Riah Williams (Redlands) 38-10 1.2; T12. Andreese Ortiz (Heritage) 36-5.

Discus: 4. Su’Riah Williams (Redlands) 140-11; 9. Victoria Redd (Temescal Canyon) 129-4; 10. Andreese Ortiz (Heritage) 129-0.

Long jump: 2. Alyssa Alumbres (Vista Murrieta) 19-1; 3. Kaylee Best (Norco) 18-11; 5. AB Hernandez (Jurupa Valley) 18-4 3/4; 9. Saje Heard (Rancho Cucamonga) 18-2 3/4; 11. Alaya Robinson (Etiwanda) 17-10 3/4. Alternate: 14. Makena Bailey (Chino Hills) 17-9.

Triple jump: 4. Alaya Robinson (Etiwanda) 38-8 1/2; 6. Alyssa Alumbres (Vista Murrieta) 38-8; 7. Makena Bailey (Chino Hills) 38-6; 8. AB Hernandez (Jurupa Valley) 38-5 1/4; 9. Kaylee Best (Norco) 38-0.

Wright became just the fourth track and field athlete from Chaparral and the first since 2007 to claim a section championship when she won the Division 1 title in the 100-meter dash in a wind-aided time of 11.55. The junior did not stop there, however, as she also brought home the championship in the 200 meters in a personal-best but wind-aided time of 23.52.

Combe, a sophomore at Santiago, won Division 1 titles in the 800 meters and 1,600 meters, registering personal-best times of 2:11.01 and 4:45.56 in those respective events.

“I definitely knew a fast time would come with winning because there were fast girls (in the race),” Combe told dyestat.com and runnerspace.com after the win in the 1,600 meters. “I was definitely focusing on the win, and then the time was a secondary thing. I was just hoping for a really fast last lap, so I’m super happy with that.”

Inland athletes combined to win 15 of the 32 titles in Division 1 (eight in girls, seven in boys).

And there was a clean sweep on the girls side in the non-hurdling individual running events.

Santiago’s Rylee Blade won her third section championship when she successfully defended her title in the 3,200 meters (10:14.97). Blade doubled in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters at last year’s Division 1 finals, but only ran the 3,200 on Saturday.

“My coach kind of gave me the strategy to come in and try to push the pace a little bit and see what I can do,” Blade told dyestat.com and runnerspace,com “Having only the one race today, I could come in a little more fresh and be able to focus a little more”

Ayala’s Kayla McBride claimed her first section title by winning the 400 meters (PR of 53.81). She placed second to Wright in the 200 (23.72) and also led the Bulldogs to third-place finishes in the 400 relay (46.48) and 1,600 relay (3:51.67).

“I am very proud of myself for the 400. I have been trying to break 54 this whole season and I finally got a 53.81,” McBride told dyestat.com and runnerspace.com. “My coaches were just pushing me to be the best this whole week.”

Vista Murrieta’s Aspen Fears once again was one of the Queen of the Skies, as she claimed a third consecutive Division 1 title in the pole vault (13 feet, 1 inch). The event was added to the girls program in the mid-1990s, and Fears is the first to win three straight times in Division 1.

“I wanted to get a 3-peat, especially my senior year. I wasn’t going to leave without a blue medal,” Fears told dyestat.com and runnerspace.com.

Etiwanda’s Alaya Robinson was the sixth Division 1 girls champion from the Inland area, as she captured the triple jump crown (38-8 1/2). Robinson also was fifth in the long jump (18-10 3/4).

Inland boys swept the Division 1 hurdling titles, as Murrieta Mesa’s Arthur Celestine won the 110-meter championship (PR, wind-aided 14.06), and Beaumont’s Daniel Agbelusi captured the 300-meter championship (PR of 37.40). Celestine also finished third in the 300 hurdles (38.29).

And Inland athletes brought home titles in five of the six Division 1 boys field events.

King’s Jayden McKee was victorious in the pole vault (15-7), while Elsinore’s Jeremiah Wiley won the title in the high jump (PR of 6-6). Beaumont’s Tyrus Murguia claimed the title in the long jump (22-7), and Vista Murrieta’s Kosi Nwafor prevailed in the triple jump (46-4 1/2).

Paloma Valley’s Jayden Epps uncorked a personal-best toss of 187 feet and 7 inches to win the discus championship. Epps is the second track and field athlete from Paloma Valley and the first on the boys side to win a section championship.

Norco’s Omar Sanchez captured the Division 2 title in the discus with a personal-best of 165-5. Sanchez is the first Norco boys track and field athlete to win a section title since Darrell Willis won the 400 meters in 1981.

Norco’s Kaylee Best won a Division 2 title in the girls triple jump last season. She placed third in her attempt to defend that title, but Best did bring home the title in the long jump (18-11) on Saturday.

Vista del Lago’s Jordan Carter won the Division 2 title in the boys triple jump (PR of 46-7 1/2).

San Gorgonio’s Jaevin Sawyer claimed the Division 3 championship in the 100 meters with a personal-best and wind-legal time of 10.63. Sawyer finished third in the 200 meters (21.68) and also helped the Spartans to a second-place finish in the 400 relay (41.46).

Four Inland athletes and one relay team also won titles in the Division 4 competition.

Big Bear’s Aiden Brewer successfully defended his title in the 110-meter hurdles, winning in a PR of 14.79 seconds. It was the first time Brewer has gone below 15 seconds in his career. Brewer also tied for second in the high jump (6-0) and placed fifth in the 300 hurdles (41.48).

Woodcrest Christian’s Eyan Turk prevailed in the 3,200 meters (9:02.79), while Linfield Christian’s Drew Taylor won the high jump title when he matched his best of 6 feet. Taylor also placed fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.56).

Webb’s Andrew Paik, Joseph Yates, Jordan McCray and Aaden Mozia teamed up to claim the championship in the 1,600 relay (3:25.87). McCray also placed second in the 200 meters (22.21) and third in the 400 (50.23).

Ontario Christian’s Megan Charley was victorious in the girls 800 meters, winning with a PR of 2:13.91.

Long Beach Poly and Long Beach Wilson took the top two spots in the Division 1 girls team standings with 96 and 82 points, respectively. Inland teams rounded out the top five: Vista Murrieta (50), Santiago (42) and Ayala (33).

Great Oak finished third in the Division 1 boys standings with 38 points, six behind co-champions Long Beach Poly and Long Beach Wilson.

Webb scored 31 points and finished tied for third place with Gardena Serra in the Division 4 boys standings. San Gorgonio placed fifth in the Division 3 boys standings with 36 points.

The sophomore from Riverside Poly defended her state title in the 100-yard freestyle and also brought home the title in the 200-yard freestyle Saturday at the CIF State championship meet at Clovis West High School.

DeAnda finished third in the 200 freestyle at last year’s state finals. In her second attempt to win that event, DeAnda pushed the pace from the start and led by nearly a second at the midway point. She did not let up, winning in a personal-best time of 1 minute, 45.98 seconds, 1.62 seconds ahead of Hart’s Lily Dormans.

DeAnda has never lost a 100 freestyle race during her two years at Poly, and that did not change Saturday. She went out in 23.31, giving her a 0.39-second lead midway through the race. And DeAnda finished strong, winning in another personal-best time of 48.27 seconds, 1.54 seconds ahead of Villa Park’s Allison Mann.

That time broke the previous state meet record of 48.43, set in 2018 by Sacramento Country Day’s Amalie Fackenthal.

DeAnda’s three individual state titles leaves her just one behind the Inland record of four held by Ayala’s Kenisha Liu.

DeAnda teamed with Lucy Bilhartz, Isabelle Suarez and Presley McPhail for a pair of 14th-place finishes in the 200 medley relay (1:46.63) and the 200 freestyle relay (1:36.77).

Citrus Valley’s Hayley Smith capped her high school career with one of her best swims. Smith placed fourth in the 500 freestyle in 4:52.34, more than 2 1/2 seconds faster than her previous best high school time and 1.44 seconds better than her lifetime best.

Lakeside senior Max Reis-Trovillion finished fifth in the boys diving final Thursday afternoon with 539.95 points.

Murrieta Mesa senior Ty Schneider finished fourth in the boys 100 breaststroke with a time of 55.43.

Santiago junior Brinley Knoll was seventh in the girls 100 breaststroke and lowered her school record from 1:02.77 to 1:02.52.

Los Osos senior Carlie Rose placed eighth in Thursday’s girls diving final with 461.10 points.

Santiago’s Charlotte Milkie capped her stellar freshman season by winning the consolation championship race in the 200 freestyle (1:50.35) while also finishing in a tie for 15th place in the 100 freestyle (51.28).

Ayala junior Daniel Benson finished 15th in the boys 50 freestyle with a time of 20.95. He also teamed with Kevin Zheng, Ben Trull and Arthur Lin for a 15th-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay (1:25.54).