The Gilmer Lady Cats returned from area as the No. 2 wrestling squad.
GHS made its way to the University of North Georgia last Wednesday for the Area 6 traditional tournament. Thirty teams were in attendance, and host Lumpkin County took first over the Cats, 260.6-157.
Abelinda Tercero made it to the finals at 135 pounds with a bye and a major decision. She lost 4-0 to Lumpkin’s Nora Garbuzovas for second place.
Erica Velasquez (120, 5-1 record), Juana Tercero (190, 3-1) and Erika Tercero (235, 3-1) were victorious in the consolation finals for third place.Glady Lopez (130, 2-2) and LucyAnn McArthur (145, 3-2) both secured fourth place to qualify for sectionals along with their aforementioned teammates.
Salma Gonzalez (120, 2-2) and Estephany Becerra (140, 3-2) placed fifth, while Alicia Tercero (125, 2-3) was sixth. Also taking the mat for the Cats were Allison Hernandez (115, 2-2), Jamie Sebastian (170, 2-2) and Jessica Lucas (155, 0-2).
Cherokee (129 points), Central Carroll (111) and Dawson County (83) rounded out the top five in the team standings.
GHS was at Central Gwinnett Friday for sectionals, and three Lady Cats placed high enough to make it to state.
Abelinda Tercero won two matches before a rematch from region. This time, Garbuzova secured a 4-3 decision. Erika Tercero went 3-1 to place third. Juana Tercero (2-2) finished fourth and was Gilmer’s final state qualifier.
McArthur (2-2) was fifth, Velasquez (1-3) placed sixth, and Lopez (0-2) took the mat for two matches.
Gilmer will make its way to the Clayton County Convocation Center Friday and Saturday for the traditional state tournament.