By: Kiana Madrigal
The girl’s wrestling team had a momentous time at Districts this weekend, pushing through tough competition to keep their season going. The team’s finish was impressive considering two of their captains, as well as several other wrestlers on the team were injured and unable to compete. Their coaches’ goals were to be in the top three for the team score— and they did. Six wrestlers qualified for Regionals, and one more earned an alternate spot.
Leading the way was Rosa Sanclementi, who placed first in her weight class and claimed a district title. Gia Silva and Mya Statile each took second. Heaven Dozier and Kaylee Newcomer placed third. Clare Hargis finished fourth as the final person securing a spot at Regionals. In fifth and sixth place are Ayslin Davis and Izzy Wargo.
Rosa was confident in her first two matches. The biggest challenge of the tournament happened in the finals when she faced an opponent that she had wrestled five times since her freshman year. Each time before, Rosa was unsuccessful, always losing the district championship title to her. Her opponent had been district champion each year since girl’s wrestling has been its own sport. Rosa would not let this happen again. She was prepared, staying focused, and looking for opportunities to beat her. Rosa came out strong, scoring three points for a takedown and four more for a near pin. After a scoreless second period, she added four more back points. Her opponent picked up one point for a technical call, but it was not enough to beat Rosa. She secured an 11-1 major decision victory, earning her first district championship.
“It was amazing,” she said. “Seeing all that hard work pay off like that is incredible.”
Regionals are February 28 and will be a tougher challenge as every wrestler competing placed top four at their district tournaments. The top four finishers in each weight class at Regionals will advance to the State Championships in Hershey, which will be on March 7. Last year, the Lady Bucks sent one wrestler to States. This year, they’re hoping to send even more.
