Three area girl wrestlers on first team All-Empire

State tournament participants Michelle Larsen of Petaluma and Brigitte Mihalca of Casa Grande were both named to The Press Democrat’s All-Empire girls wrestling team, along with Casa’s outstanding freshman Felicity Bernardo.

Casa Grande’s North Bay League champion Angelo Arcamo was placed on the boys first team.

Larsen qualified for state for the fourth time in as many years in the 235-pound class after finishing second to Empire Wrestler of the Year Victoria Espinoza in the North Coast Section Tournament. She also received a Bay Area All-Star Team scholarship from the Oakland Raiders for her athletic and academic achievements.

Mihalca, a sophomore, finished third at 121 pounds in the NCS Tournament to earn her first trip to the state tournament.

Petaluma High’s future, sophomores Cindy Diaz (101 pounds), Citalalie Calderon (111 pounds), and Alyssa Archer (116 pounds) were chosen to the second team, along with freshman Sara Cook (143 pounds).

Casa Grande senior Selina Medrano (126 pounds) also made the second team.

Rancho Cotate’s Victoria Espinoza, the only girl to beat Larsen during the regular season, was named Wrestler of the Year. Ukiah’s Shane Roberts was chosen Coach of the Year.

Arcamo, a junior, earned his spot on the first team by winning the North Bay League championship on his home mat at Casa.

His teammate, senior Kameron Chase at 220 pounds, was chosen to the second team.