The Washington Lady Lion wrestling team placed fourth as a team at the annual Lady Dragon tournament at West Union High School on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (Pictured, l-r); Janessa Ayler, Alicia Navarette, head coach Wes Gibbs, Kaylee Scott, Abi Forsythe, Leah Marine, Lyndyn Gibbs, and assistant coach Jaelyn Mason.
Courtesy photo
On Saturday, the Washington Lady Lion wrestling team traveled to West Union for the annual Lady Dragon Tournament. A total of 27 schools were represented.
“It was a great day of wrestling,” said head coach Wes Gibbs. “All of the girls placed in the top four, and we placed fourth as a team behind Harrison, Lebanon and Taylor.”
Individual results:
At 105 pounds, Abi Forsythe took second place.
At 110 pounds, Leah Marine came in third place.
At 125 pounds, Alicia Navarette finished in third place.
At 130 pounds, Lyndyn Gibbs was the weight class champion.
At 135 pounds, Kaylee Scott secured a second-place finish.
At 170 pounds, Janessa Ayler took fourth place.
“Abi went back to 105 for the week, she had two pins and her only loss was to three-time State Champion Chloe Dearwester of Harrison,” Gibbs stated. “Abi is starting to peak at the right time, moving in the right direction to make a good state run.”
“Leah Marine went back to 110 for the week. She placed third going 3-1. Leah is consistently wrestling tough matches. She’s got a good shot at the podium this year.”
“Alicia wrestled pretty well going 3-2 in a tough 125-pound bracket. Alicia knocked off the three seed from Berlin by pin. She’s finding her stride as well.”
“Lyndyn won the championship at 130 pounds. She’s about as consistent as it gets. She went over 100 pins this week which is an awesome accomplishment. She also is 33-0 heading into the Frontier Athletic Conference tournament.”
“Kaylee Scott was the runner-up. Kaylee knocked off the number-five girl in the state, Emma Davis from Waverly for the second time this season. Kaylee is one of those kids that follow a game plan very well. She wins big matches by being in the better positions all the time.”
“Janessa Ayler went 3-2 and placed fourth. I believe this is her highest placement. Janessa works hard but the 170-pound weight class is pretty tough this year. She’s wrestling pretty tough at the moment.”
“Overall I think this might be the best tournament we’ve had as a team. We have never had everyone place, that’s awesome!”
He finished, “Next up is the FAC tournament on February 10th. If we win it, we win some possession of the FAC title for the second straight year.”
