Head coach Anthony Gonzalez should be proud of his team.

Since losing their opening Central California Conference dual meet to Buhach Colony, the Turlock High varsity wrestling team has responded by winning back-to-back duals, with the most recent victory coming over Golden Valley on Wednesday.

In a long battle against one of the CCC preseason favorites in GV, Turlock went in as underdogs but battled from the get-go, eventually settling in a 34-25 home win.

“Now we need to get through Merced and I think if everything goes right and all the kids can stay healthy we have a good shot at winning out the rest of our duals,” said Gonzalez.

Turlock notched eight victories on the mat out of the 14 matches and have now won their second straight CCC victory.

The Bulldogs had to overcome some adversity on Wednesday after losing Alex Olivera (126) due to a severe allergic reaction.

With Olivera out for Turlock, Gonzalez was forced to call upon JV wrestler Adrian Manzo, who had to step in after a late notice.

Manzo responded.

Manzo went on to win his match via pin, which was critical for Turlock at that point, giving them an edge in point difference when it came down to the heavyweight matches. Basically, GV needed to win via pin to have a chance at even tying at that point.

“That match was huge for us,” said Gonzalez of the JV wrestler stepping up. “It basically secured the win or at least the tie.”

Gio Villegas (106), Brady Egleston (138), Andy Orozco (152), Uriel Villasenor (170), Chris Silva (182) and Breck Jeffus (195) each won their respective matches and Mike Jeffus won at the heavyweight class.

Turlock's next dual will be at home against Merced at 7 p.m. Wednesday.