Fernley wrestlers go 6-2 in divisional duals

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
The Fernley High School wrestling team went 6-2 over the weekend at the Northern 3A Divisional Duals in Spring Creek, the precursor to next week’s 3A Northern League Championships.

The Vaqueros lost only to Spring Creek and Lowry, with several good individual performances.

Setriano Piroddi went undefeated overall, including a win over a Spring Creek opponent who had beaten him twice this season. Kyle Jones went 7-1, Brodie Garrett, Jackson Chapin and David Sisneros went 6-2, and Jared Caulk and Carter Chapin each went 5-3.

“Overall, happy with the performances this weekend,” coach Ernie Garcia said. “We will make adjustments and be ready to go battle at the regional tournament. We are peaking at the right time and should send a good group of guys to the state tournament.”

As a team, Garcia said the Vaqueros expected a competitive dual with Lowry, but especially wanted to win.

Kyle Jones had a rematch with a wrestler he lost to in overtime at the Vaquero Classic, and beat him by a major decision.

“Carter Chapin bumped up a weight class to give us the best possible shot to win the dual and wrestled a tough match against their 182-pounder,” Garcia said. “Ultimately, the dual came down to who gave up the fewest bonus points and Lowry came out on top. We were in position to win the dual but we weren’t able to finish some of the close matches.”

Two Fernley girls place third in unofficial state tournament
The first ever (unofficial) Nevada girl’s state tournament was held this past weekend, where Fernley’s Paitin Smith and Denise Mosqueira both placed third in their weight classes.

“I’m very proud of them,” Garcia said. “Paitin is a senior and has worked very hard this season. She has become a real student of the sport so I’m glad to see her have success. Her only loss came to a U.S. World Team member. I am excited for the future of girls wrestling in Nevada and this past weekend was important for that future.”