DVC runners make mark at Modesto

The Diablo Valley College men's and women's cross country teams had excellent showings at the Modesto Junior College Pirate Invitational on Friday.

The Vikings women placed second as a team with 57 points, led by the Embody sisters, Alex and Katie. Alex, a freshman, finished second in the 5,000-meter race in a time of 20 minutes, 12 seconds, and Katie, a sophomore, was fourth in 20:49.

Freshman Ariana Corwin was ninth in 21:01, and freshman Cristina Fierro was 18th in 22:19, and freshman Itzel Martinez was 31st.

In the men's 4-mile race, the Vikings took third with 70 points, as Benjamin Bennett ran a close second in a time of 21: 54 and Keith Lowry was third in 22:04. Winner Adam Gonzalez of Sequoias reached the finish line just six seconds ahead of Bennett.
Freshman Jules Korman was 20th in 24:10, and sophomore Warsame Mohamed was 22nd in 24:13. Logan Portillo and Austin Hinds rounded out the Vikings' top six, finishing 31st and 32nd.

Football

Quarterback Drew Anderson and receiver CJ Cornwell continue to lead the state in various passing and receiving categories, but the Vikings (2-3) have suffered three straight defeats. They fell 34-30 at Sierra-Rocklin on Oct. 3.

Diablo Valley, which has a bye this week, will open Big 6 Conference play with back-to-back home games against De Anza on Oct. 16 and Foothill on Oct. 23, both at 7 p.m.

Anderson is averaging 383.2 yards a game passing, leading the state by nearly 60 yards in the category, and has a state-best 19 touchdown completions.

Cornwell leads the state with 57 catches -- 15 more than second-place Brandon Sampson of Monterey. Cornwell is also No. 1 in yards receiving per game with 152.8 and in touchdown catches with nine.

Women's soccer

The Vikings (3-2-4, 0-1-2 Big 8) had a scoreless draw for the third time this season against a quality opponent, this time against visiting Sierra on Oct. 2.

Diablo Valley received an outstanding performance from center back Katelynn Cunningham, who won balls in the air and shut down Sierra’s forwards. Hannah Mazelowski controlled the midfield and was determined in getting forward and generating attacking opportunities.

The Vikings also fell 2-1 at Cosumnes River on Sept. 29. DVC will host Sacramento City (1-8, 0-3) on Tuesday.

Women's volleyball

The Vikings (4-5, 0-2), who suffered back-to-back 3-0 losses against Sierra and Santa Rosa to open conference play, will face another big challenge in American River (12-4, 2-0) at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Diablo Valley will also host Cosumes River (7-8, 0-2) on Friday.

Women's water polo

The powerful Vikings (14-0, 3-0) have a big game on Wednesday against visiting San Joaquin Delta (10-3, 3-0), beginning at 5 p.m. Delta is coming off a tournament win in San Diego.

Diablo Valley crushed Fresno City 15-4 on Sept. 30, as Vikings coach Rick Millington got a chance to get everyone playing time.

Men's water polo

Fresh off a bye week, the Vikings (10-9, 2-0) will host a very competitive San Joaquin Delta (10-4, 2-0) at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

-- Matt Schwab