Coastal Academy Girls' Wrestling Makes Waves at CIF Division II Tournament

As the wrestling season comes down to the final stretch, CAH Girls’ Wrestling made waves at the CIF Division II Tournament at Holtville High in Holtville, CA. 170 girls competed representing 37 schools. Each team can have a possibility of have 14 girls in the 14 respective weight classes. Though CAH only had 3 girls, the Stingrays were able to place 14th out of 37 schools. Incredible!

First year wrestler, sophomore Seleste Gonzalez displayed much improvement pinning Katie Beals from Ramona. Gonzalez lost to Beals earlier in the season in triple overtime, but at CIF, Seleste beat her definitely. Gonzalez progressed through the brackets defeating Laylani Carrillo of Imperial. At the match for 5th place, Gonzalez lost a tough match against Lauren Mathios of Sage Creek with final score being 11-4. 6th place at CIF as a first year wrestler is quite an accomplishment. Way to go Seleste!

Returning wrestler and senior Madalyn McKellar also displayed skill and tactical planning. Maddy beat Natalia Zamudio-Ortega of El Capitan by decision, pinned Katelynn Oorts of Central Union. Maddy lost a tough match against Tavia Osthimer of Mar Vista, but incredibly won nail biter match over Madison Candray of University City and the third place match over Aeisha Ortiz of Brawley. Maddy advances to the Masters Sectional Tournament.

Charis Tolentino, a returning wrestler and sophomore made much improvement from last year’s CIF. As a freshman, Tolentino went 0-2 in her matches quickly eliminating her from the tournament. This year, Charis quickly pinned her first two opponents Denae Duggan of Monte Vista and Jaelynn Tiong of Mater Dei Catholic. In an incredible rubber match against Lexi Holguin (senior) from University City, Tolentino was able to frustrate Holguin’s game and win 9-5. Charis was later lost her match to last year’s CIF and Masters Champion, Jaylee Cazares of Brawley. From 0-2 last year to 2nd place has been a marked improvement. Charis also advances to the Masters Sectional Tournament.