In the first major wrestling tournament most local teams had participated in since wrestling was shut down in the second half of December, Bremerton’s boys and Silas’ girls took team titles at the Battle of the Axe wrestling tournament in Port Angeles on Jan. 8.

On the girls’ side, Sequim’s Petra Bernsten won the 135-141 division by going 4-0, three of those wins coming by pin.

Bernsten improved to 8-0 on the season, with seven pins and one major decision (10-point difference plus) to her credit.

“She is becoming a more dynamic and well-rounded wrestler with each match,” Sequim coach Chad Cate said.

Sequim teammate Jordan Hegtvedt went 2-2 at 116-120 to place third.

“(Hegtvedt) is looking to make a dent in the postseason as we approach the Sub-Regional tournament next month,” Cate said.

“The senior girls are leading the way for Sequim wrestling.”

On the boys’ side, Sequim’s Aaron Tolberd had a strong tourney, going 3-1 at 152 pounds — each win by pin — to improve to 6-4 on the season.

SHS teammates Brandon Linson (138 pounds), Mirek Skov (160) and Ari Skov (170) earned two wins each.

The Skov brothers earned pins in each of their wins, with Mirek’s both coming in the first period.

“Look for good things from them as the season progresses,” Cate said.

With just seven athletes competing, Sequim’s boys struggled in the team match-ups — dropping matches to Klahowya (41-12), Fife (48-24), North Mason (41-21) and East Jefferson (36-15). Sequim’s girls were fourth out of five teams. Port Angeles’ boys placed ninth while the PA girls were third.

Teams competed in dual meets against other teams, then moved on to championship and consolation brackets.

Photos by Keith Thorpe/Olympic Peninsula News Group Aaron Tolberd of Sequim, top, wrestles with Nicholas Hawkins of Fife in the 152-pound class on Jam. 8 at Port Angeles High School. Tolberd won by pin in 2:41 and went 3-1 on the tourney.