Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s girls wrestling programs both enjoyed team and individual success at the Western Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday in Ceres.
The Hawks posted a score of 206.5 while finishing second overall in the team standings.
The host Bulldogs (179.5) placed third.
The Livingston Wolves (248) took first.
Central Valley’s Alicia Espinoza, Giana Breshears, Micaela Maldonado, Lesly Hernandez, Vanesa Mendoza-Balbuena, MeKenzie Buenrostro, Evalyn Zambrano, Addisyn Prudhel and Alisandra Perez, and Ceres High’s Dayanna Alvarez, Elizabeth Boyd, Camila Alfaro, Abigail Schultz, Avril Gaona, Amelie Franco, Mezmeriah Zuniga, Sharon Wheeling and Yeraldi Alvarez extended their seasons by finishing in the top four in their respective weight classes at the WAC finals.
The 18 local wrestlers secured individual berths to South Regionals.
Hawk Joselyn Alvarez and Bulldog Gabriella Cole were named alternates for South Regionals.
“We’re very happy with the outcome,” Hawks’ leader Brandy Cordova stated. “The girls used what they learned all season and came out on top.”
“It shows the culture we’re building,” Bulldogs’ head coach Curtis Hulstine said. “The success we’re having is because of the girls. They’re working hard in the room.”
Espinoza took first with a 3-0 record in the 237-pound weight bracket.
She claimed her fourth straight conference tournament championship.
“Winning four straight titles is not something that is done easily,” Cordova said. “It shows how hard she’s worked.”
Breshears took first with a 3-0 record at 137 pounds.
She captured her second league tournament title.
“She looked really good this weekend,” Cordova said. “Watching from the stands, it looked like Gi had an easy (finals) match. She used all of her skill and strength to beat (Livingston’s) Noemi (Revuelta).”
Maldonado took second with a 2-1 record at 192 pounds.
Hernandez took second with a 2-1 record at 172pounds.
Mendoza-Balbuena took second with a 2-1 record at 147 pounds.
Buenrostro took second with a 2-1 record at 117 pounds.
Zambrano took third with a 3-1 record at 132 pounds.
Prudhel took fourth with a 3-2 record at 142 pounds.
Perez took fourth with a 3-2 record at 122 pounds.
Dayanna Alvarez took first with a 3-0 record in the 122-pound weight bracket.
She claimed her first WAC Tournament crown.
“It’s awesome,” Hulstine said. “She earned it. She’s worked hard these past four years. I’m proud of her.”
Boyd took second with a 2-1 record at 237 pounds.
Alfaro took second with a 2-1 record at 142 pounds.
Schultz took second with a 2-1 record at 132 pounds.
Gaona took second with a 2-1 record at 102 pounds.
Franco took third with a 3-1 record at 147 pounds.
Zuniga took third with a 3-1 record at 137 pounds.
Wheeling took third with a 3-1 record at 127 pounds.
Yeraldi Alvarez took third with a 3-1 record at 117 pounds.
Cole and Joselyn Alvarez both finished in fifth place.
Cole compiled a 2-3 record at 107 pounds.
Alvarez compiled a 2-3 record at 102 pounds.
This season marked the first time league tournaments were used as qualifier-events for South Regionals.
“Our girls responded great,” Hulstine said. “It motivated them.”
“There was a different drive from all of the girls,” Cordova added. “They knew this could be their last tournament. They had an extra push behind their wrestling to move forward.”
