Pitman High School’s female wrestlers finished top 10 in California last month at the 2022 CIF State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield, collecting a team total of 50 points to tie for eighth place. 

The tournament, held Feb. 26, saw Pride wrestlers Lillian Avalos and Alana Ontiveros impress amongst the wide pool of talent, with Avalos taking home second place in the 121-pound weight class and Ontiveros securing third place in the 143-pound weight class. 

The girls are both juniors and are no stranger to the spotlight. Last year, Ontiveros won the state championship while Avalos placed fourth. 

Avalos had to win four matches throughout the tournament this time to get to the final championship round, where she lost to Elena Ivaldi of Del Oro High in an 8-2 decision — but still secured her silver medal. Ontiveros won three matches on her way to the semifinals, where she fell to Marina High senior Alexandra Lopez and earned the bronze.