LATHROP — The Lathrop High wrestling team edged out visiting Sierra and Central Catholic in the Valley Oak League finale on Wednesday to finish in third place behind Sac-Joaquin Section Team Duals qualifiers Oakdale and East Union.
The Spartans (5-2) capitalized on three forfeitures but also had two of their own against Sierra. Irvin Garcia clinched the win on the final match of the night, winning via second-round pin at 106 pounds.
Sierra 182-pounder Emir Ali gave his team a chance to escape victorious after stopping Noel Contreras near the end of the first period. The Timberwolves led 35-21 but gave up free points at 195 and 220. There was a double forfeit at heavyweight.
Izziah Suarez came up big for the Spartans, winning via first-round fall after Mysson Harrell had to withdraw from his earlier match because of an injury against Central Catholic. Octavio Ruelas (170) also gave Lathrop some pivotal points when he snuck out a decision win over Marcos Sablan in overtime.
The match started with a Lathrop win from 113-pounder Karanveer Singh, who sealed the pinfall with 3.3 seconds remaining in the opening period.