Ceres High’s girls wrestling team had a program-record three individuals compete at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships this past week at Stockton Arena.

“Overall, it shows we’re getting better as a program every year,” Bulldogs’ head coach Curtis Hulstine said. “It’s a very good sign.”

Senior Makynzie Hale posted a 1-2 record in the 190-pound weight class.

She topped Whitney’s Annie Carlson via forfeit in the first round.

“It’s a bummer she didn’t get to wrestle the first match to warm up and get acclimated to the environment,” Hulstine said. “The other girl didn’t make weight.”

Hale lost to Merced’s Evelyn Vargas (pin, 1:18) and El Camino’s Paula Aguilar (pin, 2:00).

Aguilar ended Hale’s season.

“Mak was beating the girl,” Hulstine said. “She made a small mistake and got caught.”

Vargas handed Hale her first loss of the tournament.

Vargas, the No. 2 seed, advanced to the finals.

“It was a tough draw. Mak did a good job hand fighting on her feet. She didn’t bow down to her aggression.”

Hale qualified for Masters for the first time, finished fifth at South Regionals and placed first at the Western Athletic Conference Championships during her third-and-final season with the Bulldogs.

“She was more confident this year. She worked hard during the offseason. Technique-wise, she got better every year.”

Sophomore Dayanna Alvarez posted a 1-2 record at 140 pounds.

“She definitely surprised us,” Hulstine said. “She’s got a lot of potential. We’re very excited for her future. I don’t see how she’s not a state qualifier next year.”

Alvarez topped Elk Grove’s Kyleann Baird (pin, 1:50).

She lost to Del Oro’s Kate Luzuriaga (pin, 2:32) and Center’s Maya Reed (sudden victory, 6-4).

Reed erased a 4-2 deficit and edged Alvarez in overtime.

“She should be at state. The girl that beat her in overtime qualified. Dayanna wrestled great. This is the best she’s done since she’s been a part of our program. Changing from a defensive to offensive wrestler has definitely helped her a lot.”

Alvarez managed to qualify for Masters for the first time despite being slowed by an ankle injury.

She finished fifth at South Regionals.

Jazlynn Marie Cadriel, a junior transfer from Modesto High, posted an 0-2 record at 170 pounds.

She lost to Sheldon’s Chrystina Ballejos (technical fall, 23-8) and Marysville’s Iris Palencia (pin, 0:46).

“She gained valuable experience," commented the coach.

“She ran into some tough girls,” he added. “One hundred seventy is a tough weight class.”

Cadriel finished eighth at South Regionals and second at the WAC Finals.

“For having to sit out the majority of the year and battling a broken hand, I think she surprised herself."