Stallions’ girls wrestlers on a roll

Wrestling team prepares for Chukchansi on Friday

The Madera South Stallions girls wrestling picked up a couple of tournament victories over the past couple of weeks to get them prepared for the second annual Lady Chukchansi Tournament at Madera South.

The Stallions competed in the Firebaugh Lady Invitational on Jan. 14 and sent four wrestlers to the finals with two champions, including the overall team championship.

“The title meant so much to these girls as they see the struggle everyone is going through in terms of having to deal with constant stress not knowing whether our team will be allowed to come back to practice the following day with COVID cases on the rise,” coach Eddie Cortez said. “I told these girls at the beginning of the day, ‘This could be the last tournament for the year, and possibly the last one ever for you seniors so take advantage of the opportunity that is presented before you.’ Man, did these girls deliver.”

The next day, the Stallions competed in the Lady Apache Invitational at Sanger High School against some of the best teams in the Central Section.

Unfortunately, Madera South’s team of five girls couldn’t compete in the points for the team total, but came away with all five wrestlers placing with three in the finals and two champions.

The Stallions are led by senior Janitza Lopez (235 ounds), who is ranked No. 4 in the Central Section with a record of 14-2. Junior Viridiana Cedillo (126 pounds) is ranked No. 4 in the Central Section with a 12-1 record.

“Both of these girls are hoping to qualify for the state tournament in the next month,” Cortez said.

Freshman Anahi Sanchez (111 pounds) went undefeated at both tournaments and is an honorable metntion in the rankings.

The Stallions will host the Lady Chukchansi Invitational on Friday beginning at 9 a.m.