Will Othello overcome Sunnyside's numbers, Warden's tradition and Grandview's power?
Othello's Lexy Garza (right) tries to maintain control of Eastmont's Shyanne Chang during the North Washington sub-regional last Saturday at Taggares Gym in Othello.
OTHELLO — Othello girls wrestling’s nine grapplers will attempt to add the regional team trophy to go with last week’s sub-regional championship this Saturday at home in Taggares Gym this weekend.
The Huskies competing include sub-regional champions Iyalhye Barraza (120), Yoshi Gutierrez (135) and Kaylee Martinez (140); runner-ups Elizabeth Giles (125), Heather Fitting (155) and Nikki Velazquez ; third place finishers Lexy Garza (100), Jackie Peguero (115) and Diana Lopez (145).
The Huskies will face a number of strong opponents among the 48 teams at the regional tournament. The Warden Cougars, state champions two years ago and runner-up last week to Othello at the north regional, will bring ten entries which include district champions Kassandra Ozuna (100) and Tania Dominquez (115) along with six second place medalists and two fourth place earners. The Sunnyside Grizzlies, who outscored returning state champion Grandview by over 180 points to win the south sub-regional, will have 16 entries,
Three champions, Clarissa Calderon (115), Daisy Chavez (125) and Cassidy Ochoa (190), and three runner-ups will lead the Grizzly attack, but the success of the squad will probably depend on the ability of the nine Sunnyside third and fourth place medalists to stay alive in the consolation bracket.
Grandview’s small squad includes three-time state champion Desiree Zavala (145) and returning state champ Viannei Perez (105). The Pasco Bulldogs third place district finish was built around the strength of their three middle weights-Danielle Gibson (135), Hailey Hall (140) and Natalie Hall (145). The Bulldogs will face stiff competition in those weights, with returning state champion Gladys Palma of White Swan at 135, Othello’s Martinez at 140 and Grandview’s Zavala at 145.
Quincy’s Kateri Rowell, a No. 1 seed at 110, will meet Ephrata’s Mya Spencer, a No. 3 seed, if they both win their opening match.
Returning state champion Cameron Guerin from Davis awaits in the opposite half bracket at 110.
Moses Lake will be represented by Melanie Flores, a fourth seed at 105.
The top four finishers in the Region IV Tournament will qualify for Mat Classic XXVIII in the Tacoma Dome February 19-20.