The Alder Creek Middle School wrestling team is sending three of its wrestlers — Amanda Novick, Trini Trowe and Sara Lade — to the all-girls California State Championship in Vallejo on Saturday.

Novick wrestled in the California State Championship last year and placed fifth. She is looking to improve that placing this year after finishing fourth in the Nevada Regional Tournament, which featured wrestlers from Nevada, Arizona and California.

Novick is a seasoned veteran from last year’s squad. She has earned medals in three different tournaments this season and wants to continue wrestling after this year.

“I want to learn freestyle so my skills can get better,” Novick said. Freestyle wrestling is a year-round sport that involves Olympic moves like arm throws and slams.

Sara Lade is the daughter of Alder Creek assistant coach Dave Lade. This is her first year wrestling and she enjoys the sport greatly. She has been competing against boys all year and is looking forward to wrestling some girls.

Sara Lade has earned two medals this year.

Trowe is another first-year wrestler. She has been learning from Novick and some of the boys who have been pushing her to do better.

“Trini is a strong kid. She’s thrown some boys around the mat before,” said Alder Creek head coach Danny Curtis. “I’m proud of all my girls on the team. They work hard and make sacrifices for the sport. This weekend will be a fun and exciting.”