Confidence is contagious. It motivates and inspires athletes to perform to their expectations, and sometimes beyond. Such was the case Wednesday night when Turlock High’s wrestling team hosted the Los Banos Tigers in its first home dual of the season.

The Bulldogs (10-1), fresh off an impressive showing at the Larry Nelson dual tournament in Vacaville, continued their winning ways with a dominate performance, beating the Tigers (1-1) 49-18.

“After the performance of this weekend I expected us to come out here and win,” head coach Mike Contreras said.

Turlock opened up the dual with 138 pound Isaac Bertalotto who faced and defeated Los Banos’ James Robeldo in a close match. The next two matches went to the Tigers, giving them their only lead of the night. Turlock’s fourth wrestler, 160 pound Albino Orozco, put the Bulldogs back on top and sparked a momentum shift with his pin of Christian Lowery; the first of Turlock’s six pins on the night.

“I told our kids if we don’t give up pins we’re going to be pretty hard to beat,” Contreras said. “When you win 10 matches and only lose four you’re going to win most dual meets.”

The Bulldogs’ next stop will be at Lemoore High for the Lemoore Duals where they have seven duals scheduled. Turlock’s next home dual meet will be a four way dual with Freedom High, Central Catholic High and Oak Ridge High on Dec. 21.

 “I like what I see so far,” Contreras said. “We just need to keep on working and clean up some small mistakes we’re making.”

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