Simi Valley Puts Title in Headlock

Simi Valley High positioned itself for its first Marmonte League wrestling title since 1997 on Wednesday, defeating Thousand Oaks, 45-31, at Simi Valley.

The Pioneers (3-0) surged in the heavier weights, getting pins from 215-pounder Ryan Matheson and heavyweight Dan Kunkes to win five of the final six matches.

Kunkes, who is unbeaten this season, pinned Greg Brockert in 56 seconds, capping a rally from a 25-18 deficit.

Sophomore Derek Saenz started the closing outburst for Simi Valley, registering a pin in 1:36 to win at 152 pounds.

Thousand Oaks (1-1-1), the three-time defending league champion, was without 152-pounder Will Velasquez, a Southern Section masters meet qualifier last season who has a rib injury.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Texas A&M; 74, Pepperdine 65--Damaris Hinojosa scored 25 points for the Waves (8-4) in a nonconference loss at Texas A&M.;

The Master’s 76, Whitworth 45--Lesley DuBois had 17 points and seven rebounds for The Master’s in a nonconference game at Spokane, Wash.

Erin Buescher scored 13 points and had nine rebounds for the Mustangs (12-2).

BOYS’ SOCCER

Camarillo 3, Nordhoff 0--Rich Hunter scored two goals and fellow sophomore Blake Dutter added another on a penalty kick in a nonleague game at Camarillo (3-5-1).

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Valencia 2, Esperanza 1--Cheri Nicholson scored from 15 yards in the 50th minute to break a 1-1 tie and give the Vikings (8-0) their second pool-play victory of the day in the Buena tournament.

Kim Wood’s goal early in the second half rallied Valencia from a 1-0 deficit.