Members of Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s girls wrestling teams grappled at different tournaments during winter break.

“Every single girl that competed took a step in the right direction with being successful on the mat,” Bulldogs’ head coach Curtis Hulstine said.

Alicia Espinoza and Giana Breshears represented the Hawks at the 12th Annual Queen of the Hill event, staged Dec. 29-30 at Corona High School.

Espinoza won six of seven matches while finishing third overall in the 235-pound weight bracket.

She collected wins against Ridgeview’s Celeste Vasquez (pin, 0:48), Golden Valley of Bakersfield’s Emily Banuelos (pin, 0:18), Newbury Park’s Maya Garza (pin, 2:40), Cerritos’ NyKierra Jackson (pin, 1:40), Orange Vista’s Gia Coons (decision, 7-5) and Etiwanda’s Sofia Ibarra (decision, 6-2).

Breshears placed fourth with a 5-2 record at 135 pounds.

She collected wins against Golden Valley of Bakersfield’s Ariana Mercado (pin, 3:57), Hemet’s Melony Wiese (pin, 1:07), Downey’s Jessica Tirado (pin, 1:17), Roosevelt’s Sophia Cardenas (decision, 4-0) and Trabuco Hills’ Isabella Dipippo (pin, 4:39).

Central Valley took 37th in the team standings at the Queen of the Hill.

The tourney featured wrestlers from 132 schools.

Elizabeth Boyd, Mezmeriah Zuniga, Abigail Schultz, Alana Festa, Evelynn Tubera and Avril Gaona represented Ceres High at the Sierra Nevada Classic, held Dec. 29-30 at the Reno Events Center.

Boyd made history by becoming the first female Bulldog grappler to medal at the Sierra Nevada Classic for the second time.

She took fourth in the 235-pound weight bracket.

“It’s one of her best performances of her career,” Hulstine said. “Her hard work is paying off.”

Boyd compiled a 3-2 record.

She topped Golden West’s Gia-Monet Ramos (pin, 2:41), Lassen’s Mallory Bush (pin, 5:01) and Kelso’s Talia Alexander (pin, 1:25). 

Zuniga compiled a 3-2 record at 135 pounds.

Zuniga topped Lowry’s Kloe Bell (pin, 2:34), Grants Pass’ Kaitlin Hunicke (pin, 1:56) and Gregori’s Kyra Tumbarello (major decision, 13-3).

Schultz compiled a 2-2 record at 130 pounds.

She topped Bonanza’s Mariana Pelayo-Piedra (pin, 1:23) and Caldwell’s Abbigail Herrandez (pin, 1:23).

Festa compiled a 1-2 record at 190 pounds.

She topped Elko’s Sophia Taylor (pin, 1:30).

Tubera compiled a 1-2 record at 110 pounds.

She topped Reed’s Micah Norris (pin, 2:11).

Gaona compiled a 1-2 record at 100 pounds.

She topped Basha’s Devi Wilson (pin, 0:56).