The members of Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s girls wrestling programs traveled to Corona and Nevada, respectively, this past week for tournament action.

Central Valley placed 56th as a team with a score of 40 at the 10th Annual Queen of the Hill Invitational, staged Dec. 29-30, at Corona High.

Corona (189), Walnut (168) and Santa Ana (130) finished first, second and third, respectively.

The tournament field featured grapplers from California, Nevada and Arizona.

“They haven’t faced this caliber of competition until this weekend,” Hawks’ head coach Brandy Cordova said. “Overall, the girls did well—even the ones that went 0-2. They learned from their matches and improved. They were progressing.”

Central Valley’s Alicia Espinoza, Brianna Espinoza and Giana Breshears all advanced to the second day of the event.

Alicia Espinoza’s dedication paid off in a big way as she claimed an eighth-place medal.

She compiled a 4-3 record in the 172-pound weight bracket.

Alicia Espinoza notched wins against Ventura’s Sophia Moran (pin, 0:18), Palm Desert’s Citlali Contreras (pin, 1:59), Bella Vista’s Genesis Rivera (pin, 1:02) and John Glenn’s Aaliah Enriguez (pin, 2:28).

“This tournament has been the toughest competition she’s wrestled,” Cordova said. “She’s continued to improve this whole year. She’s more mature and more focused. She stays after practice to work on things she needs to get better at. She’s constantly asking questions. She’s putting a lot of time and effort into her craft.”

Older sister Brianna Espinoza compiled a 2-2 record at 237 pounds.

She notched wins against Montclair’s Melanie Maldonado (injury default) and James Logan’s Daniela Gomez (pin, 1:07).

Giana Breshears compiled a 2-2 record at 142 pounds.

She notched wins against Centennial’s Maya Bardoni (pin, 4:33) and Orange’s Evelyn Munoz (pin, 2:24).

Arely Camarena compiled a 2-2 record at 157 pounds.

Kalli Hoffman compiled a 1-2 record at 157 pounds.

Alexa Alberto (132 pounds), Itzel Romero (127s), Samantha Padilla (122s), Joselyn Vega (117s), Jayden Corona (112s), Janelle Heras (107s) and Kayla Fernandez (102s) compiled identical 0-2 records in their respective weight classes.

Ceres High grapplers won a combined nine matches at the Sierra Nevada Classic, staged Dec. 27-30, at the Reno Events Center.

“The goal was to compete, not just get experience,” head coach Curtis Hulstine said. “We didn’t bring home any medals. But it’s the best the girls have wrestled all year.”

Makynzie Hale led Ceres High with a 3-2 showing in the 185-pound weight bracket.

She bested Culver’s Jorja Nelson (pin, 0:13), North Valley’s Vanessa Sherwood (pin, 0:44) and Granite Bay’s Victoria Millian (pin, 2:26).

Hale lost to Garza’s Olivia Ruacho (pin, 1:19) and Lassen’s Mallory Bush (pin, 2:37).

“It’s the best I’ve seen her wrestle this year,” said Hulstine. “She was more aggressive. That’s been a key thing for her.”

Jaden Stahl posted a 2-2 record at 126 pounds.

She bested Kelso’s Brynja Amesen (pin, 3:38) and Wood’s Nyima Trevino (pin, 3:30).

Stahl lost to Hazen’s Sara Shelhorse (major decision, 19-11) and Grace Davis’ Taylor McGuire (pin, 0:56).

“She wrestled really well,” Hulstine said. “She’s never out of any match. Once she starts being more aggressive, she’ll start to win more matches.”

Jadasa Haro posted a 2-2 record at 114 pounds.

She bested Hazen’s Heirdina Equbazgi (major decision, 10-0) and Garza’s Keira Rosas (pin, 0:22).

Haro lost to Vintage’s Cassady Lopez (pin, 0:44) and Kelso’s Kamiah Gaerlan (pin, 0:31).

“It’s the best I’ve seen her wrestle her whole career,” Hulstine said. “She was more focused.”

First-year wrestler Carmen Arce-Hayes posted a 1-2 record at 132 pounds.

She bested Oakmont’s Elisa Glenn (pin, 2:56).

Arce-Hayes lost to White Pine’s McKenzie Rajala (pin, 0:52) and Douglas’ Monique Alloway (pin, 1:35).

“She has a lot of skill and ability that still needs to be brought out." 

Illiana Enriques posted a 1-1 record at 138 pounds.

She lost to McQueen’s Katlynn Sibrian (pin, 0:08) and Lillian Fanene (medical forfeit).

Destiny Marron posted an 0-2 record at 152 pounds.

She lost to Hazen’s Savannah Derrick (decision, 8-2) and Riley Johnson (pin, 1:08).

Elizabeth Boyd posted an 0-2 record at 165 pounds.

She lost to Gregori’s Mikayla Lancaster (pin, 0:46) and Thunder Ridge’s Peyton Reeves (pin, 2:37).