GIRLS WRESTLING TITLE UP FOR GRABS

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The IIAAG girls wrestling title race is now anybody’s game with no clear front runner dominating the field. The defending champion Simon Sanchez Sharks got off to a rough start but bounced back after a rigorous week of practice and dethroned the previously undefeated Tiyan Titans 36-30 at the Tiyan gym.

After suffering their first loss, the Titans regrouped and later defeated the previous unbeaten GW Geckos 42-36 to stay in the hunt for the regular season top seed. The Titan girl’s squad had a tough matchup day on their home floor going against two powerhouse teams. After suffering a loss in the hands of the Sharks, the Titans emerged victorious in a thriller. The Geckos earlier defeated the Southern High Dolphins in their first contest of the dual meet 60-6.

The Geckos were in cruise control with a comfortable lead until the Titans pulled off a miraculous comeback by getting 5 straight wins to get the victory. Titan team captain Dinnesa Perez (122 lbs) started the rally with a pin in the first round.

“I knew we were down in points going into my match. Im the team captain and I just wanted to lead by example and get a win to help my team. Seeing my teammates lose the earlier matches set a fire in me,” said Perez.

Perez’s pin ignited a fire for her teammates with Corina Salas (127 lbs), Tammy Torres (132 lbs) and Bobbie Larrison (145 lbs) all earning valuable points via pin for the Titans. Amanda Aguero (138 lbs) also contributed valuable points after GW was unable to suit a wrestler in that weight class. Larrison’s victory clinched the game for the Titans with only one match remaining.

“Going into our matches, our coach (Maria Dunn) told us to keep on pushing. Her advice and motivation is very inspiring to our whole team,” said Perez. The Geckos and Titans share the top spot with identical 3-1 records.

Shark team captain Mia Aquino remained undefeated in her high school career getting a clutch pin in final match to defeat the Titans 36-30 earlier in the day. Going into the match tied at 30-30, Aquino calmly pinned her opponent in 1 minute and 57 seconds of the first round to pull off the upset with just eight eligible wrestlers.

Wendy’s Wrestlers of the Day, Corina Salas (left) and Deinnesa Perez (right) of the Tiyan Titans. (photo by Daniel Paran)

“I was a challenge because I had to bump up in weight for the match. It was a significant win for our girls, it woke us because despite not having the numbers we can still compete against any team,” said Aquino.

Rckaela Aquino, Mia’s younger sister, also won via pin and she had the challenge of moving up in weight class to accommodate the team.

“My match was a challenge as well but I was able to pull of the pin in the second period. We all had to bump up in weight to fill in the weight classes after one of my teammates didn’t make weight,” said Rckaela Aquino.

The shift in weight classes worked in favor of the defending champions who won both their matches (48-18 victory over Southern) to improve to 2-1-1 for the season.

Gecko Boys Dominate

In the boys matches, a more complete GW Geckos team got two big victories in the dual meet to improve to 3-1 for the season. The Geckos got by the Southern Dolphins 63-18 and then later defeated the Titans boys’ team 63-12.

The Gecko added more players who were unable to play last week due to the football championship game. Gecko running back J-One Weires moved straight into wrestling and looked impressive in the 160 lbs weight class picking up two victories.

The Titan boys looked for their first home win but came up short against the Sharks 42-36. Josen Pascual (145 lbs) helped the Sharks to their first victory getting the second round pin. The Sharks are now 1-3.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Titans’ Neuben Montelvo and Geckos’ Jason Quitugua struggle to gain control over the other. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Juan Ada easily breaks free from Michael Castro’s hold. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Justin Pangelinan gains the advantage, taking control from Trey Aguero. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Titans’ Corina Salas goes on the offense as she tries to grab hold of her opponent. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Deinnesha Perez prevents Geckos’ Vahnia Rokoi from getting up with great side control. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Isa Tanatongo pins the Titans’ Briani Jean Camacho for the win in a very close match. (photo by Daniel Paran)

McKenzie Quitugua of the Geckos stares down Britnee Sablan before making a move. (photo by Daniel Paran)