Weston Ranch High’s wrestling team continued its impressive start to the season with a second-place finish in the Healdsburg Duals in Sonoma County Saturday. Sixteen schools competed, including Valley Oak League rival Sonora which came in 11th.

The Cougars dominated its pool before tourney host Healdsburg edged them out in the finale, 33-31. Weston Ranch beat Mission San Jose of Fremont 42-30 in the semifinals after blowing out Los Gatos (54-18), Montgomery of Santa Rosa (60-12) and Fortuna of Eureka (60-9). Weston Ranch previously took second at its own Cougar Duals and won the Fault Line Duals in Larkspur.

“Overall, real good tournament,” Weston Ranch coach Pat King said. “We went to wrestle good teams and we proved to ourselves we are OK and can compete with some big-time programs.”

Brandon Mungarro (145) was the only Cougar to go 5-0. Going 4-1 were Nate Bowen (103), Joe Anthony Gomez (132), James Simerley (170) and Donnell Simms (195). Heavyweight Willie Cervantes won three of four matches.

One of Simms’ wins came against Healdsburg’s Ricardo Sandoval, the No. 1-ranked 182-pounder in the North Coast Section. His only loss was to Mission San Jose’s David Kim, rated fourth best in the NCS at 170.

 “Willie and Brandon also wrestled great and we have high expectations for both of them,” King said. “Joe Anthony got down to 132 for us to strengthen our lineup and did a great job. He is real strong and confident at that weight.”

The Cougars open the VOL season tonight against visiting Sierra.



Lynn Dyche Classic

Sierra had a strong showing at James Lick High of San Jose Saturday.

Leading the way were Loaiza brothers Alex and Alberto. Alex, a freshman, placed third in the 106-pound division, while Alberto was fourth at 132.

Billy Fishburn (113), Simon Marquez and Lucas Widmer (145) opened with losses but bounced back with three straight wins to win the consolation title at their respective weights.

Three other Sierra grapplers placed in the girls tournament. Jessica Montiel (113) and Michelle Lopez (126) were runners-up, and Monica Vierra (152) took third.

Sierra’s JV squad fared well in the Arroyo Dons Tournament in San Lorenzo.

Russell Marquez claimed the 132-pound title with three wins and a 10-8 victory in the championship round. Taking third were Montiel (113), Quinn McMurtrey (138), Celiano Hernandez (195) and Khalil Williams (220).



Morning Star Invitational

Standout girls wrestlers Sarah Phillips (108) and Marian Wheeler (114) came home with first- and second-place medals, respectively, for East Union.

Leading the Lancer boys at Los Banos High was Josh Byrd, who placed fifth in the heavyweight division.