Six Section 1 Standouts from Redwood Falls
When I started typing this brief column, I had every intention of just naming three standouts from the Section 1 & 3 Girls Wrestling Tournament. But when Section 1 is a true tool box - because it’s full of hammers - it’s nearly impossible to stick to just three. So, here are six wrestlers that made a lasting impression upon me.
Emily Bova, Chatfield - Emily Bova received the #3 seed after a very strong regular season. However, she was upset in the opening round by 8th grader, Lucinda Ornelas of Owatonna. How did Bova respond? She proceeded to win four straight wrestlebacks, including a 5-4 victory in the third place match against Ornelas. Bova earned a true second that ultimately didn’t go her way, but the sophomore showed resilience that will continue to pay dividends
Lainey Houts, Northfield - The Junior from Northfield came into the section tournament as the #2 overall seed in a deep 124 lb bracket. She ran through the early rounds with four consecutive first period pins. Houts’ greatest challenge and state runner-up, Chloe Berg, awaited her in the finals. Houts and Berg met up less than a month ago and Berg was the 7-5 victor in overtime. This time, Houts was taken down first but completely dominated the match from there to the tune of a 12-5 victory. Houts was composed and focused all weekend.
Hattie Mathre, Byron - Mathre had an incredible tournament this weekend, but it only came as a surprise to those who hadn’t seen her wrestle yet this year. Mathre won her final 9-3 in convincing fashion over two-time state finalist, Diann Smith of GMLOS. Mathre got to her shots at will, had no issues finishing, and created multiple opportunities to put Smith on her back. And I must say, she made it all look pretty easy.
Olivia Martinez, Rochester Mayo - Martinez may have lost her section final, but the skills she displayed took me aback. For just 7th grader, she possesses an impressive ability to move her feet. She is quick, reactive, and instinctive on the feet - AND JUST A SEVENTH GRADER! She only has two losses so far this year and will be a name to remember for the next half-decade.
Madi Hamilton, Byron - In her first year of wrestling, Madi Hamilton broke through in a big way. She refused to quit and pulled off one of the most exciting wins of the tournament when she turned undefeated Hailey Bahr of Marshall in the last seconds of their semifinal. Hamilton’s resilience and her ability to turn from the top position are her greatest strengths.
Jerriona Marshall, Rochester Mayo - Dominant is the word I would use to describe Jerriona Marshall’s performance this weekend. She is one of the best wrestlers in the area from the top position. She has an arsenal of turns that make anyone hesitant to choose the down position. Marshall placed at the state tournament last year, so she won’t be taking anyone by surprise this go-round.