Huskies, Cougars top field at Warden Invitational

WARDEN — Othello and Warden were the class of the field at the Warden Invitational.

Othello amassed 206 points — the only team to break the 200-point barrier — for first place and host Warden finished second with 169 points. No other school topped 90 points.

“Coming back with a second place trophy from last weekend’s tournament at Emerald Ridge gave me a good idea on where we stand,” Warden head coach Valerie Hernandez said. “I also know we have some good competition in our region and my fairly new team will continue to work hard to make gains.

“I have four seniors that have great work ethic and will lead the team in the practice room and on the mats.”

Quincy (13th), Royal (16th), Ephrata (17th), Moses Lake (19th) and Wahluke (22nd) rounded out the local squads in the standings.

Othello’s Emily Mendez (105), Nikki Velazquez (135) and Kaylee Martinez (145) took first place.

Warden crowned four champions.

Aaliyah Escamilla (100) outlasted Moses Lake’s Melanie Flores 8-5.

Kasandra Ozuna (110) and Monica Canales (130) won close final matches. Ozuna edged Devin Gamez of Kiona-Benton 8-6 and Canales beat rival Rose Gutierrez of Othello 9-7 in overtime.

Andrea Hernandez (155) won by fall in the third round over Libby Graham of Hanford.

Mariah Garza (115) finished second and Angelica Vela (105) placed third.

“This has become an annual small tournament that gives teams the opportunity to see that the Columbia Basin has some talented female wrestlers,” Valerie Hernandez said. “I have been coaching girls wrestling since 06-07 school year. I have watched it evolve and am quite proud to be part of it.”

Othello will host a girls wrestling mix and match Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Warden, Ephrata and Quincy will be in attendance.