Strong showing for BHS wrestlers at girls regional

Following the NMAA Girls Region 2 Wrestling Championship, Belen, Los Lunas and Valencia seem to have the talent to win individual glory at next week’s state tournament at Rio Rancho Events Center.

In the case of BHS, the Eagles have enough depth to challenge for a podium finish in the team battle at the all-classes event.

At the region meet in Roswell, Belen finished fifth in the 32 team field, just 7.5 points out of third place. The Eagles had seven grapplers place, led by Olyvia Sanchez, the runner-up at 115 pounds. Sanchez opened her bracket with a seven-second pin.

The Eagles qualified seven wrestlers for the State Championship, Feb. 20-21 at Rio Rancho Events Center.

For Los Lunas, Haidyn Garley earned the 190-pound championship on a second-period fall over her opponent from Atrisco Heritage Academy.

Teammate Janie Wheeler was the 235 pound runner-up, helping LLHS to a tie for ninth in the team battle.

Valencia’s Alexis Avis-Labus took the title at 105 pounds, while racking up pins in each of her four matches. The Jaguars were 16th in the team competition.

The region championships for the boys runs Friday and Saturday. Los Lunas will be in the Region 2-5A meet at West Mesa. Belen and Valencia travel to Santa Teresa for the 4A regional.

NMAA Girls Region 2 Wrestling Championships

1. Las Cruces, 192.5

2. Atrisco Heritage, 190

3. Hobbs, 138

4. West Mesa,131.5

5. Belen, 130.5

9. Los Lunas and Albuquerque, 92 (tie)

16. Valencia, 68

Belen

2. Olyvia Sanchez (115)*

3. Lynsey Sanchez (120)*

4. Olivia Ortiz (140)*

5. Marissa Valdez (105)*

6. Hailey Olguin (110)*

6. Emma Perez (235)*

7. Azana Williams (130)*

Los Lunas

1. Haidyn Garley (190)*

2. Janie Wheeler (235)*

8. Ella Gurule (120)

8. Brooklynn Tafoya(130)

Valencia

1. Alexis Avis-Labus (105)*

4. Adrianna Berni (100)*

7. Emma Ramsey (135)*

8. Angelique Ortega (190)

*Indicates state qualifier