FRESNO, CA – The NCWA Menlo Men's Wrestling team battled against some of California's toughest competition at the Bill Musick Open, coming away with one individual champion and adding some more hardware as another Oak secured a third-place finish.  
 
Sanchez Makes His Return to the Mat
Returning All-American Julian Sanchez made a statement in his return to the mat this past weekend. Competing up a weight class at 133lbs and proved he hasn't missed a step. Sanchez opened his sophomore campaign in dominant fashion, earning himself a pin and a tech fall in the first two rounds of the tournament. In the quarters, Sanchez battled to a gritty 8-4 victory, punching his ticket to the semifinals.
 
In the semis, Sanchez faced Didi Cerda of Fresno City in a tightly contested match. After conceding the first takedown, Sanchez responded with a late third-period takedown of his own, holding on for a 5-4 decision to reach the final.
 
Sanchez's dominant run concluded when his finals opponent forfeited, officially making him the 133lb champion and marking an impressive start to his return.
 
Diamond Keeps Shining
Matthew Porras Diamond delivered an outstanding performance at the tournament. Competing in the 197lb bracket, Diamond stormed through his first three matches with dominant pins to advance to the semifinals. Despite falling short in a hard-fought semifinal bout, he bounced back in impressive fashion, securing yet another pin in the third-place match. In total, Diamond recorded four wins by pin to claim an impressive third-place finish in the 197lb division.
 
Notable Results

• Freshman Jaiden Compton made his Menlo debut going 2-2 with 2 pins
• Jalen Arceo would go 2-2, adding a technical fall to his resume

 
Up Next…
The Oaks will have a quick turnaround, looking to take on San Francisco State at 7:30PM in their home gym of Don Nasser Family Plaza on Wednesday, November 12.
 
Make sure to follow the Oaks season using menloathletics.com and checking in using our tickets, bracket, and livestream links!