Kelly Roda

School: Irvine High

Sport: Cross-country

Class: Senior

Midway through the Division I junior/senior race Saturday at the Dana Hills Invitational, Roda was about 75 yards behind Erica Sumi of Long Beach Wilson. At that point, Roda decided to pick up the pursuit. By the end of the three-mile race, she had closed the gap significantly, finishing second in 17 minutes 27 seconds, five seconds behind Sumi. It was the fastest time for an Orange County girl at the meet and helped Irvine win the team title. Roda, in her fourth varsity season, won a Southern Section title as a sophomore and finished third last season. Irvine Coach Randy Rossi says she is in the best form of her career--mentally and physically. “We always focus on the end of the season, but at this point, I’m very excited about her progress and I know she’ll continue to improve as the season goes along,” Rossi said.

Other top performers:

Mandy Gomez, a Rosary tennis player who defeated Jessica Lurman of Costa Mesa, 6-3, 6-2, to win the singles title of the Orange County Invitational.

Dresden Howell, a Corona del Mar cross-country runner who finished second in the Division III race at the Stanford Invitational and led the Sea Kings to the team title. Howell finished the 3.1-mile race in 18:41.

Misty May, who was named the most valuable player of the San Marcos volleyball tournament after leading Newport Harbor to a 15-7 victory over Mater Dei in the title game. May also had 35 kills in the Sailors’ five-game loss to Corona del Mar.

Jennifer Stroffe, who was named the MVP of the Chicago McAuley national volleyball invitational after helping the Sea Kings to the championship.