Girls wrestling season ends at regionals

Published 11:28 am Sunday, February 11, 2024

Team spirit has been a key component of the Ilwaco High School girls’ wrestling squad this season. Here Keowah Iyall shapes up for a group selfie while teammates jostle for position. Pictured with her, left to right, are Angel Salas, Lyla Inskeep, Bailey Womack, Ophelia Wise and Abigail Doan. Hidden are Kaylee Anderson and Emma Smith.

CENTRALIA — Ilwaco’s two surviving girl wrestlers each had a win at the regional tournament.

But further losses ended their seasons — just one step away from 2B state qualification.

Freshman Angel Salas, whose advance to regionals was confirmed last week, went 1-3 in the 235-pound weight class, finishing sixth. The top four in each weight class advanced to compete in the Tacoma Dome.

Classmate Bailey Womack ended the day with a 1-2 record at 120 pounds.

“It was a tough battle for our young freshman wrestlers,” said head coach Frank Womack. “This officially marked the end of the girls high school competition for the season with neither of them moving onto state.

“However, the year was a huge success as our numbers grew and the girls all got significant mat time experience ranging from 23 to 49 individual matches in the season.

“This alone has been my biggest goal as the girls need the live match time to challenge themselves and push their abilities.”

Other squad members this season were junior Keowah Iyall, sophomore Emma Smith and freshmen Ophelia Wise, Abigail Doan, Kaylee Anderson and Lyla Inskeep

“As we have no seniors on the team, I hope that they all return next year — and bring additional friends with them!” the coach added.

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