Esperanza’s O’Connor Captures Second Consecutive State Title

NORWALK — For the first time all season, Esperanza senior Kelly O’Connor could breathe a sigh of relief.

After winning at the state track and field meet in the triple jump as a junior, the senior was the target of her competitors all season.

Saturday, she jumped 40 feet 2 1/2 inches to win her second consecutive title in the event.

“It’s very nice,” O’Connor said en route to her prom from the meet. “I’m relieved. I’m not overly happy because I didn’t jump as well as I wanted, but I’m just glad it was enough.”

O’Connor has been among the top 10 in the nation this season with her jump of 40-11 3/4. She defeated San Jose Del Mar’s Tisha Ponder, who was second in this meet at 39-3 1/4.

O’Connor’s consecutive titles were the first for a county girl since Fullerton’s Natalie Kaaiawahia won three consecutive titles in the shotput (1981-83).

Girls’ notes

Mission Viejo sophomore Ashley Bethel was second in the 100-meter high hurdles, running 14.08 seconds. That set a county record, topping her old mark of 14.14. . . . Tayyiba Haneef of Laguna Hills cleared 5-8 to take third in the high jump. Edison’s Marie Philman was fifth in the discus (142-9). . . . Marina’s Katie Rorem cleared 11 feet in the pole vault to finish fourth. . . . Edison’s Kerry O’Bric was fifth in the long jump (19-1 1/4) and fourth in the triple jump (38-9).