In their first Trans Valley League (TVL) dual match of the season last Wednesday, Mariposa’s varsity wrestling team dismantled Hughson’s Huskies, 45-18. The Grizzlies recorded six pins in the match, clearly dominating the visitors.

“This team was pumped and ready,” said head coach Scott Seymour. “I’m really proud of the overall team effort. It was solid.”

In the first match of the meet, Mariposa’s Justin Long won his 130-pound clash with a quick pin. Grizzly Joe Grabowski followed suit at 135-pounds, adding another 6 points to Mariposa’s lead.

In one of the best matches of the evening, Chris Sherrill battled his Hughson foe for three rounds with each wrestler recording escapes and near pins in the 140-pound weight class. Sherrill was competing up one weight class. With just three seconds on the clock in the final round, Sherrill pinned his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for the Grizzlies’ third 6- point win in a row.

“Chris turned in an exceptional performance,” Seymour said.

At 145-pounds, Mariposa’s Jesus Ortiz won by a 10-4 decision. “Jesus really wrestled well and used solid technique to win his match,” Seymour added.

Grizzly Colin Ritter struggled against his veteran opponent at 152 pounds and dropped a 10-3 decision. Alex Harrington made short work of his opponent in this 160-pound bout. A quick reverse put Harrington in control and he quickly registered a pin.

In his first-ever varsity contest, Mariposa’s Donovan Griffith was overmatched and fell by pin at 189 pounds.

Senior Keenan Johnson, who weighs 176 pounds, manhandled his Hughson opponent in the 215-pound class and powered his way to an early pin for the Grizzlies’ sixth of the night.

At 103 pounds, William Auble won by forfeit for Mariposa, and Grizzly Ryan Thompson lost a 10-6 decision at 119 pounds.

Mariposa carried its 1-0 TVL mark to Ripon Wednesday evening for another league dual match.

Look for results at www.mariposagazette.com.