GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks wrestling teams traveled to Galt High School on Wednesday evening, Jan. 7 for a crucial league dual meet against Union Mine and El Dorado, with the boys’ and girls’ squads experiencing vastly different outcomes in their respective competitions.

While the boys’ team struggled with roster depth issues in a challenging night against two league opponents, the Liberty Ranch girls’ team soared to a perfect 2-0 start to its league campaign, dominating both Union Mine and El Dorado with impressive performances on the mat.

The Lady Hawks wrestling team opened its league season in spectacular fashion, posting shutout and near-shutout victories that have positioned the Hawks as early favorites for the league championship. Liberty Ranch defeated Union Mine 36-0 and El Dorado 33-3, showcasing the depth and talent that Head Coach Cesar Candido has been cultivating throughout the season.

Against Union Mine, the Lady Hawks received pin victories from Jordan Gold and Emma McLain, with the remainder of their points coming from forfeit wins. The team continued its dominant performance against El Dorado, where Amieleah Muela secured a pin victory. Sofia San Juan battled hard but fell by decision in the only contested match the Lady Hawks lost on the evening, with additional forfeit wins padding the final score.

Coach Candido beamed with pride when discussing his team’s performance and their championship aspirations.

 

Liberty Ranch’s Braden Salbek makes quick work of tossing his Union Mine opponent.

“The girls did great to jump to a 2-0 start to league,” Candido said. “They practice very hard and motivate each other every day, and they all have one goal and that’s to be league champs. Being led by team captain Kaydince Silva, they really follow her lead and they all have high expectations from one another.”

The Liberty Ranch boys’ wrestling team faced a more difficult evening, splitting its dual meets with a tough loss to El Dorado and a hard-fought victory over Union Mine. The Hawks fell to El Dorado 70-12 in a match where roster limitations proved costly, as Liberty Ranch was forced to forfeit multiple weight classes due to not having wrestlers available to fill those positions.

Despite the lopsided score, the Hawks showed heart in the matches they could contest. Braden Salbeck and Ethan Fluty both earned victories for Liberty Ranch, providing bright spots in an otherwise challenging dual meet against the deep El Dorado squad.

The Hawks bounced back with determination against Union Mine, grinding out a narrow 27-24 victory that showcased the team’s resilience and competitive spirit. Jack Rowe, Anthony Maldonado and Salbeck all secured wins for Liberty Ranch in the closely contested match that came down to the final weight classes.

Boys Head Coach Jose Hernandez maintained a positive outlook despite the challenging circumstances his team faced.

 

Jack Rowe grapples to get the upper hand.

“We have a young group with some holes left in the weight classes,” Hernandez explained. “Props to El Dorado; they are a huge team now and unfortunately won a lot of matches by forfeit. Our guys gain skills every day and I am looking forward to the individual league meet.”

Coach Hernandez’s comments reflect the reality many smaller wrestling programs face when competing against schools with larger rosters.

The contrasting fortunes of the Liberty Ranch wrestling programs highlight both the challenges and successes that come with building competitive teams. While the boys’ squad works to develop depth and fill roster gaps, the girls’ team has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in league competition.

For the Lady Hawks, the path forward looks promising as they continue their pursuit of a league championship. With strong leadership from captain Kaydince Silva and a roster full of motivated athletes, the team has established itself as the early favorite in league competition.

The boys’ team, meanwhile, will focus on individual development and preparation for the league individual tournament, where wrestlers compete one on one rather than as part of team scoring. This format may prove more favorable for the Hawks, allowing their talented individuals like Salbeck, Fluty, Rowe and Maldonado to showcase their skills without the burden of forfeited weight classes affecting the outcome.

 

Hawk Senior Anthony Maldonado works his El Dorado opponent.

Both Liberty Ranch wrestling programs will continue their league schedules in the coming weeks, with the girls’ team looking to maintain its undefeated record and the boys’ team working to develop the depth and experience necessary to compete with larger programs. As the season progresses toward league championships and potential section qualifiers, the Hawks will continue to represent their school with the determination and work ethic that defines Liberty Ranch athletics.