California claimed the women's freestyle crown last year at the Junior Duals and the ladies from The Golden State took a step Wednesday toward retaining it. 

California cruised to four victories on the opening day of the USA Wrestling Junior Duals in Tulsa, outscoring its opponents by a combined 190-68 margin to position itself for another shot at the title on Thursday.

Texas Blue, Michigan Blue and Illinois also captured victories Wednesday night in the first round of Gold/Silver pool competition. 

Texas Blue won seven of the final nine matches to rally past Colorado 34-30. Michigan Blue scored falls in the first two bouts and closed the dual with a forfeit, a pin and a technical superiority win to edge Indiana 36-29. Illinois reeled off seven consecutive wins in the middle of the dual on two pins and five techs and knocked off Washington 34-33.