ESCALON — Saturday wrapped up the final day of the Lloyd C. Engel Wrestling Tournament at Escalon High. The tournament is a two-day affair, with Saturday’s pools determined by Friday’s results.
Only one local wrestler — East Union’s Nick Luna (160 pounds) — placed in the A Pool. Luna finished fourth with a 10-2 loss to Oakdale’s Jack Hopkins.
“The first day I just came out strong,” Luna said. “I knew it was going to be tough because this is one of the hardest tournaments we do all year. I was happy to make it to the A Pool.
“I took a first-round loss on the second day and I was able to fight back to be in the third-place match.”
Manteca had three wrestlers who came from behind in their last matches.
Ayden Marshall (154 B) was losing 1-0 to Mariposa’s Ian White late in the second round before posting an escape. He went on to get a takedown in the third period 4-1 for the championship.
“If I didn’t get that reversal things would have been tough,” Marshall said. “I was listening to Coach Bordi the whole time and I saw an opening for the takedown. He told me to grab an arm and shoot and it worked out perfectly.”
Winston Snyder (184 B) was trailing Joey Macedo of St. Mary’s 4-0 before turning it around and winning by pinfall.
“When I was down I knew I had to listen to coach Bordi,” Snyder said. “He is a wise man and a good wrestler in his time. I had to follow through on what Bordi was telling me to do.”
Robert Dominguez of Atwater (HWT B) was leading Isaiah Evans 2-0 in the third period when Evans — who gave up at least 30 pounds — battled back to get a pin for third place.
“I just never give up,” Evans said.
Other Pool C placers from Manteca were Misael Meza (147, second), Miguel Soala (172, second), Victor Espinoza (108, third), Josiah Sagapolu (184, third) and Ryder Vasquez (222, second).
Angelo Palmer (162) and Logan Pool (172) took first in Pool D for the Buffaloes.
Ivan Alvarez took fourth place at 147-B for the Lancers and teammate Nico Saucedo won at 128-D.
Napa Valley Girls Classic
Sierra’s Marisa Rush (131) went 3-1 and advanced to the second day but had to withdraw due to an injury. Alyanna Loaiza (128) was 2-2 and Alina Dizon (118) went 1-2.
“The girls wrestled well,” Timberwolves coach Alex Nuanez said. “Napa is one of the toughest tournaments. I am very proud of how we competed.”
Manteca’s Mackenzie Sandoval made it to the second day of competition.
