Behind 120-pound champion Elijah Riddle, the San Benito wrestling team placed third during Saturday’s Bert Mar Invitational at Christopher High in Gilroy.
Riddle was the only Baler to take home an individual championship, but San Benito did finish with five top-3 finishers to take the third-place team prize.
Simon Coelho (160) and Tim Castillo (182) both wrestled well for the Balers, taking second place during their individual brackets. Eric Loredo (113) and Julian Perez (145) each took third.
As a team, San Benito finished behind Washington Union, which took first, and host Christopher. The Balers improved upon their showing from a year ago, when they placed fourth.
Other finishers included Juan Gutierrez (fifth place in the 106 bracket), Patrick Ippolito (fourth in the 126 bracket), Alejandro Banuelos (fourth in the 195 bracket) and J.J. Melo (fifth in the 220 bracket).
Two girl wrestlers competed for the Balers as well during the competition. At 120-pounds Samantha Barrientos placed sixth and at 280-pounds Athena McGoff placed sixth.
The Balers return to the mat at 6 p.m. Wednesday against Alisal.
SBHS girls soccer
Despite grabbing an early one-goal lead, the San Benito girls soccer team couldn’t hold on against Gilroy, finishing with a 1-1 tie Friday.
The tie gives the Balers a 2-0-1 record in league play. They are 5-2-1 overall.
San Benito returns to the field at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday against Pajaro Valley.
SBHS boys soccer
The Balers moved to 1-1-1 in league play Thursday, after a 2-0 loss to Alvarez in Hollister.
The loss gives the Balers a 4-4-1 record entering Tuesday’s game at Monterey.
