Pitman High’s wrestlers knew Wednesday’s dual against Golden Valley High was going to be tough. Still, the Pride (1-1 CCC) entered their second dual of the year against the Cougars in high fashion, warming up to a theatrical multi-media introduction that projected a high degree of confidence. Unfortunately for Pitman, the intensity didn’t translate onto the mat as the Cougars claimed victory 52-17.

“We thought we’d get some more wins,” Pitman’s head coach Chris Wolfley said. “It just didn’t happen.”

Golden Valley opened the night with a pin and major decision that immediately shifted the momentum their way. The Cougars both overpowered and overwhelmed Pitman’s wrestlers in a number of the night’s matches, recording a total of eight pins. Four of Golden Valley’s pins came in the third period with a minute or less left on the clock.

“They’re a dual meet team,” Wolfley said. “Sometimes you got to come in and pay your dues.”

Despite being down Pitman never gave up. The Pride tried their best to change the momentum of the match but without a single pin, victory was beyond their grasp. Pitman’s best performances of the night belonged to Logan Wolfley (152), who dominated his opponent and won by tech, and Hayden Mattox (106) who also dominated his opponent in the last match of the night.

“We’ll rebound, come back and work on the things we need to work on,” Wolfley said.

Pitman competes in the first annual Oak Ridge Invitational today. Its next dual meet will be on the road against Merced High on Wednesday.

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.