The Aliso Niguel Girls Wrestling team is working hard to ensure they win CIF this year. They have had an impressive season so far, winning various throwdowns and matches. These accomplishments have paid off greatly and are showing in the way they wrestle.
This year, out of their 14 weight classes ranging from 100 to 170 pounds, 12 girls qualified for CIF and one of the standout wrestlers is Valeria Alonso (12). She stands out from other wrestlers due to her determination and unique wrestling skills.
To qualify for the tournament, competitors must first win the South Coast League. Last year, eight wrestlers earned a spot in the tournament. While none advanced past the quarterfinals in the championship bracket, every girl made it through at least one round in the consolation bracket.
The Master’s Tournament is divided into four separate categories based on previous matches and wrestler rankings: blue, gold, upper blue and upper gold. From there, wrestlers are distributed by weight class.
The girls who qualified last year were Kai Libunao (12), Erika Montes (12), Chanel Corredor (12), Niva Strasser (12), Lexi Dillard (12), Valeria Alonso (12), Shelby Colwell (11), and Josephine Rettick (12).
Valeria Alonso (12) competed in the upper blue division. She won her first-round match in the championship bracket but fell to Alyssa Guzman of Orange Vista in the quarterfinals. Alonso entered the consolation bracket after defeating Katherine Herrera of La Habra in round two. In round three, Alonso scored seven team points for the Wolverines but, unfortunately, didn’t progress.
This year Valeria is working tirelessly to ensure she comes back from last year’s tough loss.
She says, “The hardest part of training for CIF is staying consistent and not giving up on myself even when things get hard.” She added that she is focused on “healing any injuries I have and stepping onto the mat as much as possible to practice.”
As the season builds towards CIF, the Aliso Niguel girls wrestling team continues to prove that their success is driven by discipline, resilience and unity. With dedicated wrestlers like Alonso and a strong roster, these girls aren’t just chasing titles, but trying to show their dedication for the sport they’re passionate about.
