The members of Ceres High’s varsity girls wrestling team made the short bus trip to Modesto on Dec. 19 to compete against Johansen.

The Bulldogs returned home with their first league dual-meet victory of the season.

Ceres High improved to 1-2 in the Western Athletic Conference standings with a 63-6 win over the Vikings.

“We’ve been working very hard,” Bulldogs’ 131-pound grappler Katie Garcia said.

Garcia won one of the dual’s two contested matches.

She edged Melissa Blanco, 10-8, in overtime.

Garcia prevailed in OT after giving up a point late in the third period.

“I was very exhausted,” she said. “I just had to push through it. I kept telling myself to think positive. I really wanted to win. I’m proud of myself.”

Ceres High’s Angie Huerta lost by decision, 10-5, to Johansen’s Dayana Salinas at 121 pounds.

All but three of the Bulldogs’ team points came via forfeit.

Elizabeth Mercado (101 pounds), Andrea Contreras (111s), Gabriela Soto (126s), A.C. Lugo (137s), Jazzmin Suarez (143s), Karen Vang (150s), Mariana Ramirez (160s), Geneviv Ramirez (170s), Rosely Ayala (189s) and Mercedez Wood (235s) didn’t have to compete.

Hawks take third at home

Central Valley’s varsity girls wrestling program hosted a six-team dual tournament on Dec. 23.

The Hawks compiled a 4-1 record en route to a third-place finish.

Sam Espinoza, Andrea Cortes and Crystal Melgoza were awarded medals for going undefeated.

Central Valley edged Golden Valley, 34-33, for third place.

“We won based on tie criteria,” head coach Regina Selfridge said. “They gave up one more forfeit than we did.”

The Hawks also notched wins against Beyer (36-33), El Capitan (42-30) and Merced (42-12).

Central Valley lost to Selma (63-12).