A newcomer to the Central California Conference, Central Valley’s varsity girls wrestling team notched its second consecutive dual-meet victory.

The 2017-18 Western Athletic Conference champion Hawks improved to 9-0 overall and 2-0 in the CCC standings with a 60-18 win over visiting Merced on Dec. 11 in Ceres.

“We’re doing incredibly well right now,” Central Valley 121-pound grappler Aryanna Jimenez said. “I’m not surprised. We have really talented girls. Our coaches are really good. We still have room to get better.”

Central Valley won 10 of 13 individual matches versus Merced.

Jimenez pinned Liliana Grijalva in the first round (1:14).

Carla Martinez pinned Jacel Verduzco in the second round (2:57) at 137 pounds.

Samantha Espinoza pinned Alicia Garcia in the second round (3:27) at 189 pounds.

Vanesa Contreras, Claudia Gomez, Isabella Pelayo, Nia Carraway, Guiliana Gutierrez, Brianna Quiroz and Angelina Sanchez were awarded forfeit victories at 106, 126, 131, 143, 160, 170 and 235 pounds, respectively.

Esther Esceverri lost by pin in the second round (3:15) to Fatima Guzman at 150 pounds.

Kimberly Garcia lost by pin in the second round (2:39) to Isabel Perez-Zoghbi at 116 pounds.

Kelsy Naranjo lost by pin in the first round (0:35) to Alejandra Sanchez at 111 pounds.

“There’s a difference,” Jimenez said while comparing the CCC to Central Valley’s former conference. “The girls are definitely a lot stronger in this league. The WAC was easier competition.”

Bears 46, Hawks 21

Central Valley’s varsity boys wrestling team dropped to 0-2 in the conference standings with a 46-21 loss to Merced last week.

“The competition is a lot better in the CCC,” said Central Valley’s Kyle Hendrix, who wrestled up two weight classes at 152 pounds. “It’s a pretty big step up.”

The Hawks managed to win just four individual matches.

Hendrix defeated Marcus Almanza by decision (7-1).

Kyle usually competes at 138 pounds.

“I wish I would have got the pin,” he said.

Ruben Valenzuela pinned Ezekial Gonzalez in the first round (1:10) at 182 pounds.

Roman Ramirez pinned Ryan Lee in the second round (2:34) at 160 pounds.

Nataneal Lezama was awarded a forfeit victory at 220 pounds.

Davian Lemus lost by decision (11-9) in overtime to Collin Krieger at 120 pounds.

David Martinez lost by decision (6-1) to Curtis Axsom at 170 pounds.

Eric Rivera lost by major decision (14-1) to Owen Krieger at 145 pounds.

Elijah Deleon lost by pin in the second round (3:47) to Andy Pena at 132 pounds.

Ivan Martinez lost by pin in the second round (3:30) to Tanner Phillips at 138 pounds.

Thomas Carrillo lost by pin in the second round (2:15) to Christian Lopez at 195 pounds.

Moises Galeana lost by pin in the first round (1:58) to Clifford Johnson at 285 pounds.

Juan Melgoza lost by pin in the first round (1:19) to David Granados at 126 pounds.

The Hawks lost by forfeit at 113 pounds.

“I expected it to be closer,” Central Valley head coach Rob Beckhart said. “Merced came out and wrestled hard. I got to give them credit. We’ll get our guys where they need to be. They just got to keep working hard.”

Central Valley’s next CCC dual opponent will be Atwater.

The Falcons will host the Hawks on Jan. 10.