Miller places first in L&M Invitational

The Panther girls’ wrestling squad faced off against Highland and WACO last Thursday, Jan. 19 at Highland. Against Highland, the Panthers lost 12-0 after Lexa Nelson (115) lost by fall in 1:51 to Angelina Roling, and Payten Coleman (120) lost by fall in 1:03 to Lilly Barre. Pekin fell to WACO with Lexa Nelson (115) losing to Rylee Rice by technical fall, and Payten Coleman (120) lost by fall in 5:02 to Heaven Steege.

Saturday, Jan. 21, Pekin competed in the L&M Invitational where they finished seventh as a team with 58 points. Bettendorf won with 224 points.

Pekin’s Lila Miller (135) was crowned champion after winning her first place match by fall over Ayva Lopez of Bettendorf in 2:00; her semifinal round by fall over Erin Hill of Bettendorf in 3:04, her quarterfinal round over Morgan Streif of Bettendorf by fall in 1:56, and the championship round over Mercedes Brockert of West Liberty by fall in 1:57.

Hailey Pedrick (140) placed third, getting wins over Stacia Linder of English Valleys/Tri County by fall, over April Johnson of Assumption, Davenport by fall in 0:38, and over Arianna Vesey of Bettendorf by fall in 2:41.

Payten Coleman (120) placed sixth, getting a win by fall in 3:21 over Quinn Smith of Columbus/WMU.

Lexa Nelson (110) placed sixth, receiving a bye in the quarterfinal round.

Emma Hopper (125) placed eighth.