Seline Gage, a Kapaa Middle School student, retained her undefeated record Saturday following a victory over top-seeded Zoe Pritchard of California during the Kauai USA Wrestling spring season matches at the Kapaa High School cafeteria. Gage, seeded No. 2 in
Seline Gage, a Kapaa Middle School student, retained her undefeated record Saturday following a victory over top-seeded Zoe Pritchard of California during the Kauai USA Wrestling spring season matches at the Kapaa High School cafeteria.
Gage, seeded No. 2 in the largest bracket of the day (Girls 12-14, 115 pounds), worked her way up the five-girl bracket to face Pritchard in the finals.
Gage scored a takedown during a fast-paced scramble with Pritchard in the opening period and got the California girl in a pin hold when the bell sounded, saving the top seed.
Despite a strong fight from Pritchard, Gage ended the match by dominating the second period with a fall.
The win gives Gage a perfect 5-0 record through two matches on Kauai.
According to coach Mac Pigott, the Kauai Interscholastic Federation tournament director and coordinator for the USA Wrestling spring season, 21 wrestlers — four girls and 17 boys — weighed in for six bracketed divisions ranging from 5 years old to 17 years old (45 pounds to 140 pounds).
This was an increase from the previous match where a total of 15 wrestlers took to the mats.
“Participation has increased at both the Westside and Eastside practices,” Pigott said. “We are hopeful to have even more matches this weekend. A lot of our high school wrestlers were not out because they were involved with SAT exams.”
Saturday, the wrestlers hit the mats at the Clem Gomes Gym at Waimea High, with weigh-ins starting at 8 a.m. and the first matches expected at 9:30 a.m.
Wrestlers looking for a pick-up match are invited to drop in before noon and officials should be able to accommodate them, Pigott said.
Regular wrestling practices take place Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westside Wrestling Club. Eastside practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kapaa High. All wrestlers are required to be U.S. Amateur Wrestling members.
The remaining matches include May 20 at Kapaa High. May 27 at the Hanapepe Judo Dojo and the Kauai USAW spring championships June 3 at Waimea High.
Information: Eastside 634-1686 and Westside 639-8858.
