Grapplers take 2nd in annual Deets Winslow tournament

Sonoma takes five firsts, but fall 2-points short of Casa|

The Dragon wrestlers took five firsts Saturday in the annual Deets Winslow Memorial Wrestling Tournament, but finished second, two points behind Casa Grande.

“Casa Grande was clearly the team to beat, so for to come within a couple of points was exciting to see,” said Coach Nico Saldana. “It’s a great way to launch ourselves into the teeth of our schedule.”

Sonoma took firsts at 126 pounds with sophomore Macylyn Liss; at 145 with sophomore Andrew Beatty; at 152 with sophomore Ryan Sherwood; at 182 with senior Noah Bartolome – who won with three pins; and at 220 with sophomore Tyler Winslow who moved up in weight class because of a lack of wrestlers at 195.

“Macklyn (Liss) wrestled very well,” Saldana said. “He continues to improve as evidenced by his first championship.” Beatty, on his way to 3-0, defeated the number #1 seed from Elsie Allen. And Saldana said Sherwood (3-0) came out on top of a strong bracket.

“Noah (Bartolome) had three pins and showed why he is one of the top wrestlers in his weight class,” Saldana said. “And Tyler (Winslow), who gave up nearly 25 pounds to his first opponent, used his technique and speed to negate the significant size advantage.”

Other Dragons included Nick Biaggi, who was 2-1 and finished in second place at 160.

“Nick wrestled a tough Casa opponent in the finals,” Saldana said. “Nick battled with the flu for most of the week, and though not an excuse, it would be fun to see Nick wrestle his finals opponent again, with a healthy week under his belt.”

Also wrestling at 160, junior Mario Coronado finished 1-2. At 170, senior Aiden VanHeerden finished 1-2. “Aiden, as a first-year senior, continues to develop,” Saldana said. At 220, sophomore Gianni Palacio and junior Dean Dunham both finished 1-2, and at 119, freshman Eric Hudson, who was seeing his first varsity action, finished 0-2.

The Dragons travel to Elsie Allen Wednesday for a conference meet. Friday, the JV is at Windsor for the Prince of the Mat. While on Saturday, the varsity is at Windsor for the King of the Mat meet. Next week, the Dragons go to Healdsburg on Tuesday and El Molino on Thursday. Their next home meet is Wednesday, Feb. 1, when they host Analy.

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