Tiger wrestlers humble visiting Redwood in Thursday's West Yosemite League action

The Lemoore girls’ team fell 33-42 to Redwood, only its second loss in the past four years. The Tigers fielded just six girls against Redwood’s 11 challengers. Despite having only six athletes on his team, Coach Armando Calderon told The Leader his Tigers came close to pulling off an upset. The difference between winning and losing could have been one match, said Calderon.

“There is a lot of work (to do),” he said. “We have only one senior on the team (Eunique Barnes). Our girls’ team is extremely young and talented. We have a bright future, for both the girls and boys.”

Freshman Ivan Aries pinned his Redwood opponent to lead his team to victory over visiting Redwood High School Thursday night.

Photo by Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

The varsity boys performed admirably, including coming away with several pins, including freshman Dylan McDonald who pinned Redwood’s Juaretta in 2:20, while fellow freshie Ivan Aries pinned his Ranger opponent at the 2:50 mark.

Junior Will Kloster, who was still in the hunt at the prestigious Doc Buchanan Tournament, easily got past his Redwood opponent, winning 12-2. Sophomore Wayne Joint continued his winning ways, defeating his Redwood challenger in a close match, 10-8.

Senior Alex Yanez also won in a 7-4 decision.

In girls’ action, Mia Meno pinned her Redwood challenger at the 1:54 mark of the first period, while the talented Destiny Barnes beat a challenger ranked in the Valley's top five.

The Tigers continue WYL competition with a match at El Diamante on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The boys will also appear at the Five Counties Tournament in Fountain Valley on Jan. 11 and 12. The girls will wrestle at the Sanger Girls Invitational next week.