Story by Girls Wrestling Head Coach Michael Torres

Friday, February 21st. La Habra, CA-The Fillmore High School girls wrestling team concluded its season at the CIF Masters Meet, held at Sonora High School in La Habra, with three athletes—senior co-captains Alexa Martinez and Emma Torres, along with sophomore Naomi Bonilla—qualifying for this prestigious event. These three wrestlers were Citrus Coast League Champions who showcased their strength and perseverance, marking the end of a memorable season for the Flashes.

Sophomore Naomi Bonilla, wrestling in the 110-pound weight class, faced a tough road at the Masters Meet, finishing with a 0-2 record. Bonilla’s first match saw her lose by pin to Alice Liu of Arroyo High School. In her second match, she faced Jaslene Higuita of Rowland High School and also lost by pin. While the results were not in her favor, Bonilla’s qualification for the CIF Masters Meet was a remarkable achievement, and the experience will undoubtedly serve as valuable experience for her in the coming years.

Senior co-captain Emma Torres, competing in the 130-pound weight class, wrapped up her high school wrestling career with a 0-2 finish at the CIF Masters Meet. Her first match resulted in a loss by pin to Ava Sosa of Hillcrest High School, and in her second match, Torres lost to Gabriela Jimenez of Paloma Valley High School with an 11-2 decision. Despite a challenging day at the Masters, Torres leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Over the course of her career, she claimed four Citrus Coast League (CCL) championships, never losing to a CCL opponent in individual or tournament preseason, season, or postseason competition throughout her four years. In her senior season, she also earned fourth place at the CIF Northern Division Individual Championships. Torres’ leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team will be deeply missed.

Senior co-captain Alexa Martinez, competing in the 145-pound weight class, had a strong showing at the Masters Meet, finishing with a 2-2 record. In her first match, she faced Annalese Arroyo of Norco High School, losing by a score of 16-4. Martinez bounced back in her second match with a win by pin over Jaydan Colgan of Temecula Valley High School. She continued her winning ways in her third match, defeating Gianna Panaggio of Marina High School by pin. Martinez’s final match ended with a narrow 10-14 loss to Melissa Moreno of Paloma Valley High School as she gave up 4 points in the final 10 seconds of the match. Although she didn’t make it to the final rounds, Martinez’s performance highlighted her strength, skill, and determination. This season, she became the first-ever FHS Girls Wrestling CIF Champion and captured her first Citrus Coast League Championship in the 145 lb. weight class, marking a historic milestone for both her and the program.

While the CIF Masters Meet did not end with the results they hoped for, the fact that Torres, Martinez, and Bonilla were the only athletes from Fillmore High School to qualify for the meet speaks volumes about their skill and dedication. Their efforts at the event, as well as throughout the season, demonstrated the commitment they have to their sport and their team.

Head Girls Wrestling Coach Michael Torres shared his pride in the team: “I couldn’t be more proud of Emma and Alexa, who have left a lasting legacy on this program. Both of them have worked tirelessly over the years, and I am glad to have coached them through their middle school and high school years, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. They pass the torch on to Naomi, who will continue to grow and help lead this team in the future. The commitment, effort, and heart that all of our athletes have shown this season is something special.”

The Fillmore High School girls wrestling program extends its deepest gratitude to the assistant boys’ and girls’ wrestling coaches Adrian Bonilla, Jorge Bonilla, Ignacio Juarez, David Navarrete, Head Boys Coach Manuel Ponce, Athletic Director Kim Tafoya, FHS administration, faculty and staff, as well as the families, volunteers, and fans for their support throughout the season. The future looks bright for the Lady Flashes, and with continued hard work and dedication, they are poised to tackle new challenges in the seasons to come.