WOODS CROSS — Mason Milligan and the Woods Cross Wildcat wrestlers opened the season on the losing end of a 53-15 match with Tooele Wednesday night. The ’Cats entered the night with two forfeits, giving up 12 points off the bat but battled throughout the evening.

Sasha Prosence picked up an impressive win at 103 for the Cats. Milligan was especially pleased with Prosence’s ability to take the close win.

“Sasha wrestled a real smart match, and I think his work with our assistant coach Jeremy Baker was a big reason for the win,” Milligan said. “Jeremy is a master technician on his feet and that was really the difference in the match.”

From 112 through 140 Tooele was able to put the match away for their team as the ’Cats were bit by making small mistakes that turned costly.

Milligan said those mistakes are things that can be fixed and that he was overall pleased with the effort of his middle weights.

“The guys were all battling, and that is a good sign,” Milligan said. “They were all in their matches and just got caught in mistakes that are pretty normal with young wrestlers.”

At 145 pounds, Woods Cross’ Ryan Peterson faced Tooele’s Jesse Condie. This match was a battle.

Peterson came out and set up a throw to put Condie on his back. Condie managed to fight off his back and avoided being pinned.

Peterson controlled the second period by racking up a 13-1 score heading into the final period. Peterson found himself in pinning position and finished strong with the win.

At 189 pounds, sophomore Wildcat stand out Tony Mendez and Tooele’s Zach Cavender, came out ready to rumble.

Working on good control and positioning Mendez took Cavender down and ended the first period 2-1. Mendez went to work and turned Cavender early in the second period for the pin.

“Ryan and Tony really looked good tonight,” Milligan said. “They both controlled their opponents and came away with impressive wins.”