Updated individual rankings are attached, next update will be after the first tournament of the season.
We are less than a month away from the start of the 2024-25 girls CIF wrestling season. Orange County has always been a hotbed for wrestling with both boys and girls. With many nationally and state ranked wrestlers returning, we expect great matchups and dual meets amongst our local teams. Let’s look at the top five teams and individuals from our area.
1. Santa Ana High School
The Saints’ coaching staff has nurtured its returning athletes, embraced the new girls and renewed life into the girls wrestling program. Their goals are set high for this season after a 10th place finish at last years state tournament. This team is anchored by the Serratos sisters, Angelica and Alicia, who are ranked nationally and returning state medalist Anabelle. Along with the Serratos sisters, the coaching staff anticipates fellow wrestlers Nelly Hernandez, Angela Salazar and Yanni Sanchez to rise to the occasion and generate some vital points at the state tournament to guide the Saints to another top 10 finish.
2024 Team Results: 2nd CIF, 10th CIF State.
Returning CIF Medalist: Alicia Serratos, Anabelle Serratos, Tiffany Nguyen, Nelly Hernandez, Yanni Sanchez, Alyiah Sandoval and Angela Salazar
Returning State Medalist: Alicia Serratos, Anabelle Serratos
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers: Angelica Serratos, Alicia Serratos
2. Marina High School
It is another rebuilding year for the 2022 and 2023 CIF Girls' state team champions. Nevertheless, the Vikings have reloaded with three nationally ranked girls. Leading the way is 2024 CIF State Champion Deandra Meza, state medalist Eva Garcia and freshman sensation Aubree Gutierrez. The Vikings will also look for leadership from Rachael Critz who was a match away from earning a trip to the coveted CIF state tournament.
2024 Team Results: 7th CIF
Returning CIF Medalist: Nohea Booth, Deandra Meza, Rachel Critz, Gianna Pannogio, Eva Garcia
Returning State Medalist: Deandra Meza, Eva Garcia
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers: Deandra Meza, Aubree Gutierrez, Eva Garcia
3. Newport Harbor High School
A year ago, the Newport Harbor wrestling team advanced seven wrestlers to the Southern Section Masters tournament. Four of those grapplers are set to start this season and have the potential to advance to the CIF state tournament. Leading the way for the Sailors is nationally ranked and state medalist Marlee Solomon and Dora Assis. Keep an eye on CIF place winners, Esmeralda Sevilla and Charlie Falomir.
2024 Team Results: 4th CIF, 2nd State
Returning CIF Medalist: Marlee Solomon, Esmeralda Sevilla, Dora Assis, Charlie Falomir
Returning State Medalist: Marlee Solomon
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers: Marlee Solomon
4. San Clemente
With four returning CIF medalists for the Tritons, expect the 5x South Coast League Champions San Clemente High to have another successful season. Despite not having a returning a state qualifier for the first time in years, look for Lucia Barandaran, Alison Cano, Hailey Ryan, and Brianna Rodriguez to have notable seasons. All four wrestlers will attempt to earn a golden ticket to the prestigious CIF state wrestling tournament.
2024 Team Results: 4th CIF
Returning CIF Medalist: Lucia Barandaran, Alison Cano, Hailey Ryan, Brianna Rodriguez
5. Esperanza High School
Led by transfer state medalist Olivia Davis, the Lady Aztecs will try and take multiple wrestlers to the prestigious CIF state tournament. Look for CIF medalists Angelique Mexia, Olivia Valenzuela, Jaedis Brady and incoming freshman Samantha Cornejo to improve the team's overall dual and individual strength.
2024 Team Results: 4th CIF, 2nd State
Returning CIF Medalist: Angelique Mexia, Olivia Valenzuela, Jaedis Brady, Olivia Davis
Returning State Medalist: Olivia Davis
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers: Olivia Davis
6. Foothill High School
Returning CIF Medalist: Gwen Jewell, Alyssa Martinez
7. Cypress High School
Returning CIF Medalist: Kayla Pablo, Jeszika Spraglin, Ariel Penaloza
8. Irvine High School
Returning CIF Medalist: Liliana Mendez, Hassina Mohammad, Lillianne Fernandez
9. Trabuco Hills High School
Returning CIF Medalist: Kylee Golz, Isabella Dipippo
10. Foutain Valley High School
Returning CIF Medalist: Mikayala Putich, Laiyah Stoddart-Cordova
Feel free to contact me with any questions.