Inside Los Banos High’s gymnasium, 13 local athletes grappled on eight thick rubber mats as they competed Dec. 22 in the third Morning Star Invitational.

Three of Patterson High’s varsity wrestlers captured individual medals at the 24-team event.

The Tigers were led by third-place medalist Daniel Cota (126 pounds), a sophomore, who placed fifth in the 120-pound weight division at the tournament a season ago.

Patterson senior Priscilla Hackley collected a third-place finish in the 165-pound girls division, and sophomore Lucero Vargas took home fourth-place honors at 145 pounds.

The Tigers (2-1 overall, 1-0 Western Athletic Conference) will continue the league season with a home match against Ceres High at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Western Invitational

Four of Patterson High’s varsity wrestlers had top-eight individual performances in the Western Invitational on Dec. 15, at Modesto Junior College.

Junior Manuel Cruz took third place in the 138-pound weight class.

Cota earned fourth at 126.

Junior Jordan Canseco (120) took sixth, while freshman Sean DeOcampo (106) was eighth in his class.

Contact Marc Aceves at 892-6187, ext. 28, or marc@pattersonirrigator.com.