Central Valley’s youth-laden varsity girls cross country program finished fifth overall while competing at the Central California Conference’s #3 cluster meet last Wednesday at Buhach Colony High School in Atwater.

The Hawks totaled 154 points.

Atwater (43), Merced (47), Buhach Colony (55), Golden Valley (72) and El Capitan (188) placed first, second, third, fourth and sixth respectively.

Patterson didn’t post a team score.

“We have so many new runners,” Central Valley head coach Veronica Moreno said. “A lot of them are learning how to compete.”

Newcomer Abigail Garcia was the Hawks’ top finisher.

She took 29th with a time of 23 minutes, 28 seconds on the 3-mile course.

“This is her first year,” Moreno said. “She enjoys running. She’s also put in the effort and grown as an athlete.”

Central Valley teammates Adriana Huaracha (24:03), Carla Martinez (24:13), Kelsy Naranjo (24:22), Guadalupe Gonzalez (24:23), Carolina Irizarry (24:41), Claudia Gomez (24:53), Aryanna Jimenez (26:10) and Priscilla Garcia (26:53) finished 34th, 37th, 38th, 39th, 42nd, 43rd, 46th and 48th, respectively.

The Hawks didn’t compete at full-strength at the CCC’s final cluster meet last week.

Irizarry was slowed by a hip injury.

Senior leader Vanesa Contreras had another school commitment.

“I’m proud of them,” Moreno said while talking about Central Valley’s overall effort. “We knew it was going to be a challenge. Individually, we were trying to get personal record. For a lot of these girls, they just need more experience. We have a young team.”

Central Valley will participate in the Sac-Joaquin Sub-Section Championships this Saturday at Frogtown near Angels Camp.

“I’m definitely excited for the kids,” Moreno said. “They’re looking forward to competing. It’s going to be a tough race.”