Eight Gilmer High girls will continue their wrestling seasons.
GHS was in Dahlonega last Friday for the 29-team Area 6 traditional tournament. Gilmer’s Sarai Solis stood above all among 110 pounders. In the team standings, Gilmer ended its day second to Lumpkin County, 224-185.
“The girls really stepped up,” said head coach Stacy Galloway. “We came into the tournament with only six girls seeded in the top four, so the goal was to have five or six advance to sectionals. To have eight girls make it through, especially in a tournament with 29 teams, is an incredible accomplishment. Even more impressive, we had two unseeded girls who fought hard and ended up placing sixth after some big wins.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Their effort, determination and grit really shined through. Now, with sectionals ahead, I’m excited to see how they’ll continue to rise to the challenge.”
Solis finished 3-0 on the day. Most Gilmer wrestlers received a first-round bye, and Solis earned a pin and major decision ahead of the finals. Her second pin of the tournament came against Walton’s Brooke Gould in a mere 50 seconds.
Gilmer’s Abelinda Tercero (125), Amayah Jones (155) and Erika Tercero (235) all won two matches to reach the finals as well. The trio finished second, with Jones forfeiting her match because of injury.
Esther Bowman (120) and Leticia Tercero (145) were Gilmer’s duo of third-place finishers and both were 4-1.
Also punching their tickets to sectionals were Salma Gonzalez (105, 2-2 record) and Margarita Lucas-Bautista (170, 3-2). They each finished fourth with 2-2 records.
Andrea Puac (3-3) and Lucinda McArthur (170, 2-3) landed in sixth place.
Also competing for GHS at area were Allison Hernandez (100, 1-2), Magdalene Thompson (115, 0-2) and Erica Velasquez (130, 2-2).
Completing the top five in the standings were River Ridge (133), Pope (113.5) and Cherokee (96.5).