Cali Leng of Marysville attempts to turn an opponent during a match from earlier this season. Leng won a district title on Sunday and is one of several local athletes who have advanced to the OHSSWCA state tournament next weekend at Hilliard Davidson. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Marysville’s girls wrestling squad placed second on Sunday during the Northwest District tournament.
The event was sponsored by the Ohio High School State Wrestling Coaches Association and was held at Marysville High School.
The Lady Monarchs held the team lead for much of the day.
They couldn’t, however maintain it during the finals.
Defending state champion Miami East was too strong to keep at bay.
Miami East won the team title with 229 points, while MHS tallied 208.5.
There were athletes representing 33 different schools at the tournament.
Jonathan Alder scored 30 points to place seventh.
Several MHS grapplers have qualified for the state tournament.
The top four in each weight class of the district tourney have advanced to the state event.
Cali Leng of Marysville took first-place honors at 116 pounds. She defeated defending state champion Grace Jones of London in the finals.
Aubrey Reese of MHS claimed the 160-pound title with a victory over Nya Miller of Ridgedale.
Additional state qualifiers for Marysville are:
-Second: Emma Swart (111), Mia Oribello (126), Emily Segner (131), Sophia Smegal (150), Olana Chapman (170) and Heily Ramos (235);
-Third: Haley Winans (137) and Katie Palmer (143);
-Fourth: Lauren Slododa (137).
Additional results for MHS were:
-Fifth: Maddie Adelsberger (121);
-Sixth: Nevaya Natividad (116) and Olivia Ishmael (189).
“We knew going into the tournament we would need to build a big lead early because the matches in the finals were going to be pretty tough based on the teams assigned to our district,” said coach Shawn Andrews. “After putting eight girls in the first and second-place matches, we finished the round 2-6.”
The OHSSWCA girls state wrestling tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday at Hilliard Davidson High School.
“This is year two for the girls state tournament sponsored by the state coaches association,” said Andrews. “Last year was a one-level event, but this year girls needed to qualify out of one of four districts around the state by placing in the top four.”
Jonathan Alder will be represented by two girls during the state tournament.
Sadie Napier placed third in the district at 101 pounds, while Ava Ater was fourth at 116.