A Warriors’ Echo at Grand Canyon: Sweep!

By Brandon Petersen

Both the Westcliff men's and women's wrestling teams picked up wins over Grand Canyon University in Arizona last weekend, 19-5 on the women's side, and 32-12 on the men's.

The men's team followed it up with a two-step against Arizona Christian (40-6) and No. 4 Embry Riddle (48-0), and through the setbacks were nonetheless able to see in their opponents' strength the goal at the end of the journey the fledgling program is just now embarking on.

While Sunday was a day for lessons, Saturday was for celebration.

On the men's side, Jesus Brecamontes picked up a fall at 133, then Santiago Pacheco did the same at 141.

Sergio Porras (157) won by fall, and Thomas Venezia (165) won by tech fall, 18-3.

At 184, Davin Ito won by fall, at 197, Caiman Garcia lost by pin, and at 285, Gabriel Rangel won by fall.

On the women's side, Alana Thompson faced an open opponent at 110, and Hailee Moreno fell by technical at 124.

Ruby Barrett (138) picked up a pin, Berlyn Davis (145) won by tech fall, and Kyree Rubio (207) won a 7-2 decision.

Although no Warrior men were able to pick up a win at Embry-Riddle, one of the best – if not the best – programs in the country, two Warriors won at Arizona Christian, two victories that will stand out as nice accomplishments come the end of the season.

First, Ito picked up a takedown near the end of his match and won a hard-fought 5-4 decision.

Then, Rangel continued his impressive season with another big win, this time coming in a 4-1 decision.

The Warriors will now depart for Christmas and return to practice ahead of a Jan. 18 trip to the Evergreen Open.