TRADING SILVER FOR GOLD

By Brandon Petersen

When Barbara Greenberg stepped back onto the mats at Menlo College, she wasn't just returning to familiar ground — she was redefining it. A transfer from Menlo, Greenberg traded in silver for gold this season, swapping one shade of blue for another and finding herself at the center of Westcliff's emerging identity.

At the Menlo Open, her performance mirrored the story of the Warriors themselves: tough, relentless, and still just getting started. Greenberg battled through a stacked bracket, collecting back-to-back wins over ranked opponents before an injury forced her to medically forfeit and settle for sixth. It wasn't the ending she wanted, but for a program building toward national contention, it was another step forward in a season built on heart.

"This weekend was all about growth for our young squad," said assistant coach Justin Martin, who led the women in Atherton. "For some, this was their first freestyle tournament ever. Natalie Gonzalez was one of them — and she still ended the day with a sixth-place finish. Barbara Greenberg also took sixth. Overall, our girls wrestled with a ton of heart. I couldn't be more proud of their effort."

Freshman Natalie Gonzalez wrestled her way to that sixth-place finish at 180 pounds, scoring decisive wins and showing composure beyond her experience. Genesis Rivera opened strong with a fall before running into nationally ranked opposition. Berlyn Davis, competing at 145, won her opener and dropped a razor-close 8-8 match on criteria before being forced to medical out.

At 240 pounds, Fernanda Canedo added another highlight, earning a decision over the No. 2-ranked wrestler from OUAZ before falling in the semis. And for Abby Mendoza and Jaselle Martinez, the weekend marked a first true test — the beginning of what both coaches described as "real growth in real time."

"Last year we had, like, six girls and nine guys finish out the season," said head coach D'Rell Gist. "This year we've almost tripled our roster. Practices are intense. You can feel the culture changing — friendships forming, people pushing each other. It's night and day from where we were."

That culture shift was easy to spot in how the Warriors competed — sharp, aggressive, fearless. They weren't chasing perfection; they were chasing progress.

And for Greenberg, wrestling in blue and gold instead of blue and silver, it wasn't just about medals. It was about ownership — of her journey, her team, and the new standard Westcliff is quietly setting on the national stage.

Menlo Open – Westcliff Results

110 lbs: Barbara Greenberg – 6th place (medical forfeit)
131 lbs: Jaselle Martinez – 1-2
131 lbs: Abby Mendoza – 0-2
145 lbs: Berlyn Davis – 1-2 (medical forfeit)
180 lbs: Natalie Gonzalez – 6th place
180 lbs: Genesis Rivera – 1-2
240 lbs: Fernanda Canedo – 1-1