EAGLE ROCK, Calif. — Competing in hot conditions on Saturday, March 14, at the Oxy Distance Carnival and Spring Break Classic, the Lions delivered a series of strong performances highlighted by a dramatic victory in the 3000-meter steeplechase by freshman Kailey O'Brien.

Making her collegiate debut in the event, O'Brien led from the gun before briefly surrendering the lead with one lap remaining. Refusing to fade, the freshman surged over the final 100 meters to reclaim the front, edging a competitor from Central Arizona College at the line to secure the win in 12:12.92.

"I loved seeing Kailey fight so hard for the win in her first ever steeple," said Head Coach Chloe Curtis. "She has what it takes to be great at this event and she is just getting started."

Earlier in the day senior Katie Power got things started for the Lions in the 800m, placing third in her heat with a respectable 2:26.59.

Four Lions, all from the junior class, contested the 1500m for the first team this season. Rylee Guinn turned in another strong performance, finishing second overall in 4:45.04. Emma Ronan, competing in her first open track race since the 2024 season, posted a notable personal record in the event, crossing in 4:53.46, while Tessa Kline (4:57.63) and Ruby Tiburcio (5:00.41) also contributed solid efforts.

The Lions saw a productive night in the 5000 meters as well. Senior Hayden Washington led the group with an 11th-place finish out of 119 runners in 17:36.55, nearly ten seconds faster than her season-opening performance at the distance a year ago. Junior Ava Boyd followed closely in 14th place with a major personal record of 17:41.09, slicing roughly two minutes from her previous mark when she ran the event last season for the first time upon coming back from injury. 

Sophomore Alexandra Zanon clocked 18:50.75, while freshman Collette Heil made her collegiate debut at the distance in 19:11.09. Senior Samantha Duwe rounded out the group with a personal record of 19:26.41.

With multiple personal bests, a debut victory, and strong performances across events, the Lions continue to build momentum as the outdoor season progresses. "I'm really proud of the way our team executed today," said Curtis. "These early season races are about trying out different race strategies and putting ourselves in a position to win or place high in each heat, and we did just that."

The women return to the track at the UCLA Bob Larsen Distance Carnival/Legends Invitational on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28.