By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Williams, Gonzales take third at tourney
Placeholder Image
LINCOLN — Zach Williams and Marcus Gonzales fared well at the always-tough Mark Fuller Invitational Saturday.

Williams placed third in the heavyweight division, while Marcus Gonzales finished third at 112 pounds.

Williams recorded a 48-second pin to open the tournament and edged out his next opponent, 3-2. But he was pinned by Matt Canderleria (Willlows), ranked second among Northern Section 285-pounders, in first period of the semifinal round.

He rebounded by squeaking out a 1-0 decision against Jesuit’s Michael Bachmeier in the final seconds of the final round.

Gonzales went 4-1 to improve his overall season record to 17-4. His only defeat, a technical fall, was against Willows’ Jeno Yang, who is ranked fourth in the Northern Section.

Gonzales finished strong by pinning his opponent with 35 seconds left in the match after mounting a 17-4 lead.

Estevan Garcia (171) and Shane McCullar (189) also competed for the Buffaloes but went 0-1.

NorCal Girls Tournament
In Sacramento Friday and Saturday, freshmen Jenna Howard and Lorena Ivanez of first-year Lathrop High competed in the California Interscholastic Federation Regional Tournament hosted by Inderkum High.

Ivanez earned a top-12 finish at 235 pounds, winning one of three matches. Her first loss came against the bracket’s second-seeded grappler.

Howard also had a tough draw early, losing to he No. 4 seed to open the tournament before dropping a hard-fought 7-3 decision.
Mel Focha JV Tournament
In Escalon Saturday, Carlos Fernandez (135), Mark Maynard (145), Dennis Johnson (171) and Joe Brown (215) each went 4-0 to earn first-place medals.

Jared Weiler (103), Christian Pena (125), Oscar Tapia (145) and Branden McLaurin (152) placed second; while Andrew Aquino (112) and Luis Oregel (135) ended up third.

“Overall, the guys have been working really hard in practice lately, and it is starting to pay off,” Lathrop coach Dimos Birakos said. “We are not there yet, but we are on the right track to peak at the right time.”

— Jonamar Jacinto