The Moffat County girls wrestling program is taking some big honors early in the season.

The Bulldogs emerged the top team of the girls portion of the Western Slope Showdown Saturday in Montrose, with three individual champions and 12 total podium placers.

Senior HayLee Staker won the 135-pound bracket, junior Vanessa Herrera got the gold in the 145 weight, and freshman Niyla Ennis took the title in the 170 class. Each of them claimed three straight pins against opponents during the event.

Kayla Deaton (130) and Amanaki George (140) took the silver, while Sydney Preston (125) and Emily Hockaday got bronze. Victoria Deporto (110), Ryleigh Hedman (115) and Kearra Cicchini (235) each placed fourth, Miriam Jimenez (125) fifth and Callah Caperton (155) sixth.

The Western Slope Showdown saw MCHS girls the top team among 20 schools — leading the runner-up by 90 points — in comparison to Dec. 6’s Greeley West event, in which Deaton was the only athlete to place, taking fourth in a 3-2 run.

Battling boys

The MCHS boys team likewise has faced strong competition in the first two weeks of its season, starting with Dec. 7’s Maverick Duals hosted by Colorado Mesa University.

A small roster went 2-4 against larger squads, earning wins over Delta (36-30) and Montrose (30-27).

Colt Call went undefeated in the 165 class, including three pins, while fellow seniors Tate Green (144) and Kaeden Martinez (150) and junior Haven Carr (138) were each 4-1.

Bulldog boys also competed in the Western Slope Showdown but struggled to advance in the varsity brackets. The group’s best placement of the weekend was Justin Fraipont taking fourth in the JV 138-pound class, 5-2 with three falls.

Both MCHS teams will compete in this weekend’s Warrior Classic in Grand Junction.