Katelyn Cardoza went through two Section champions Thursday to reach the quarterfinal round of the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships.
Fellow Ripon High senior Riley Rangel also started 2-0, and the tandem resumes action at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield today at 3:45 p.m. Consolation matches begin at 9 a.m.
Cardoza began her run in the 150-pound bracket against Los Angeles Section champion Bella Arrendondo of San Fernando, winning by fall in 1 minute, 42 seconds. She then outpointed San Diego Section champ Desiree Jones of Valley Center, 3-2.
Today, Cardoza — who placed fifth in the Sac-Joaquin Section — is pitted against another title holder in Northview’s Savannah Lewis of the Southern Section.
Rangel pinned her way into the 137-pound quarterfinal. She first stopped SDS runner-uup Alina Solis of Olympian in 2:35. Then she took out North Coast Section titlist Kendall Branchaud of San Leandro in 2:41, setting up her Day 2 matchup with Downey’s Stephanie Chavez of the Southern Section.
The lone male state qualifier from the area started hot but ran into the No. 1-ranked heavyweight. Sierra senior Manny Zavala has some work to do to slide into the medal rounds, needing three straight victories after getting pinned by Palm Desert sophomore standout Daniel Herrera in 3:14.
In an out-bracket match, Zavala pinned North Section runner-up Jesus Gutierrez of Sutter in 2:00 before downing L.A. Section champ Jerry Witty of San Pedro in 1:36.
East Union’s Grace Lacanglacang (106) and Manteca’s Yahidra Rodriguez (121) both started 1-1.
Lacanglacang pinned Alvarez’s Mirna Ramirez in 3:09 but lost to SS champ Emile Gonzalez of Arroyo in 26 seconds. Rodriguez stopped Jasmine Estrada of Buchanan in 4:00 and was pinned in 1:47 by Central Coast Section champion Jazzy Vega of Westmont.
Sierra’s Stefany Perez (111) and Marisa Rush (131) along with Amaiya Guyton (116) of East Union were each pinned in the first round and return today in the consolation round. Guyton has a tough draw in CCS champion Sara Vela of Westmont.
