YORK, NE - Ogallala has their first state champion of the new year.

Sophomore Maria Barnes defeated West Point Beemer junior Saige Miserez in overtime, 8-6, to win the 142-pound division at the Nebraska State Wrestling Coaches Association Girls High School State Tournament on Saturday in York.

Barnes finished with two pins during the tournament, one in the second round vs. Elgin-Pope John sophomore Kadance Dworak and another over Ainsworth senior Mila Pozehl in the semifinals. She escaped the quarterfinals with a 5-3 overtime win over South Sioux City sophomore Yohaly Quinones.

Hemingford senior Emma Gomez finished runner-up in the 190-pound division. She was pinned by West Point Beemer sophomore Claire Paasch in 2:33.

Gordon-Rushville sophomore Josephine Redman pinned Chadron freshman Fia Rasmussen in 2:06 to win third place at 124 pounds.

178 participants wrestled across 10 different weight classes during the two-day tournament.

PANHANDLE RESULTS

124

3rd Place - Josephine Redman of Gordon-Rushville
4th Place - Fia Rasmussen of Chadron
Josephine Redman (Gordon-Rushville) 12-3, So. over Fia Rasmussen (Chadron) 6-3, Fr. (Fall 2:06)

142

1st Place - Maria Barnes of Ogallala
Maria Barnes (Ogallala) 12-7, So. over Saige Miserez (West Point Beemer) 18-5, Jr. (SV-1 8-6)

190

2nd Place - Emma Gomez of Hemingford
Claire Paasch (West Point Beemer) 25-4, So. over Emma Gomez (Hemingford) 9-1, Sr. (Fall 2:33)

240

6th Place - Nayeli Diaz of Paxton

TEAM SCORES (Top 5):

1. South Sioux City - 135.5
2. Schuyler - 129.0
3. West Point Beemer - 128.0
4. Amherst - 118.0
5. Platteview - 71.0

FULL RESULTS