Paloma wrestling teams perform well in tournaments

The Paloma Valley High School wrestling teams placed high in tournaments on Dec. 30.

The boys team placed 18th out of 70 teams with three medalists at the Tournament of Champions. Javon Major won the title in his weight class, Simon Flores placed fourth, and Travis Coleman placed eighth.

The Wildcats are 5-1 in dual meets heading into Thursday’s league opener against Elsinore. They have wins over Mira Mesa, Shadow Hills, West Valley, Heritage, and Santa Rosa Academy. Their only defeat was a close loss to Servite.

Paloma Valley has won two tournament titles so far this season – Raul Huerta and Desert Knightmare.

The girls team placed eighth out of 50 schools at the Lady Blackwatch tournament with four medalists: Melissa Moreno (fourth), Estreya Santana (sixth), Athene Saenz Franco (seventh), and Elianna Martinez (seventh).

The Wildcats are 2-1 in dual meets with wins over Santa Rosa Academy and Heritage. Their only loss was to Orange Vista.

“The girls have battled injuries and are young,” said coach Luis Robles. “We haven’t been at full strength all season, but still have finished in the top 10 at most larger events. We are getting healthy and expect to be strong in the month of January.”