Friday night in Carrollton, the Trojans hosted their annual dual tournament like they have in many years past for the boys and more recently a girls division as well. It was a solid mix of both District 4 and District 2 teams that will most likely see each other 1-2 more times before the season ends. Finals week for schools is fastly approaching and teams across the state are battling various illnesses, creating gaps in their lineups. Dual tournaments are all about which team can come in healthy and stay healthy and injury free throughout the event. The Mexico Lady Bulldogs were looking to improve upon their early season 1-2 dual record before heading into Christmas Break.
Round 1: Mexico 48 vs. Hallsville 30
These two teams were scheduled to have met at the Hallsville tournament earlier this season but due to inclement weather the tournament didn’t take place. This is a District 2 matchup so the precious head-to-head seeding meeting criteria was up for grabs as well. The lightweight for Hallsville were very solid as they helped build an 18-point lead for their team entering the 120 lb. weight class. However, Mexico would only lose two bouts and give up 12 points in the final 10 weights to take the dual convincingly by 18 points.
Photos by Jonathan Bowen
Round 2: Mexico 48 vs. Guadalupe Center Charter 18
The writer had a chance to speak with one of the coaches from The Guadalupe Charter school about their roster being mainly empty (11 opens). Due to a variety of circumstances beyond their control only three of their wrestlers could make the trip to Carrollton. Their current roster via trackwrestling indicates they have 10 wrestlers. However the wrestlers who did show up to compete, did very well throughout the evening. During this particular round, the Lady Bulldogs lost each of the three contested matches against Guadalupe (135 lbs., 155 lbs., and 190 lbs.). However, due to having a nearly full lineup, Mexico would claim 8 forfeits to take the dual.
Round 3: Mexico 39 vs. Hamilton/Penney 24
Timing is everything and Mexico hit the timing just right with this dual. Penney down a few wrestlers in their typical lineup as well (they were down 2 starters) and the Lady Bulldogs were able to take full advantage of their numbers and built a 24 point lead to start the dual. After a couple of double forfeits at both 125 and 130, Penney started to find their groove and would win the next four of six matches contested. However, the Lady Bulldogs finished strong and clinched a 15-point victory to remain undefeated on the day.
Round 4: Mexico 36 vs. Carrollton 34
The fourth round was full of back and forth excitement and it had the feel of a semi-final team matchup.This was another District 2 matchup for the Mexico Lady Bulldogs and it was a back and forth dual that got the home team fans excited. With each bout contested, each side’s bench was cheering and encouraging their wrestler on towards victory. Both teams won 6 matches each (there were 2 double forfeits at 125 lbs. and 130 lbs.). The difference maker was at 115 lbs. While all of her teammates had earned maximum points for their efforts, Khloe Hanson of Carrollton earned a major decision by beating Addison Bowling 14-6. She had the opportunity on a few occasions with Bowling on her back but Bowling was able to escape the danger.
Round 5: Mexico 29 vs. Warsaw 54 (1st/2nd place Dual)
Both teams entered the final round undefeated on the day and it was a battle of who could reset themselves the quickest as there was a minimal turn-around between their 4th round and the finals. It was all Warsaw from basically start to finish. Warsaw won the first 4 weights and built a 24-0 lead before Mexico could get on the board. That lead was going to be enough as the Bulldogs managed to win only 5 of their 11 weights. It was a valiant effort by the Lady Bulldogs that came up just short of a dual tournament championship.
Up Next:
Over the Mexico Lady Bulldogs went 4-1 on the weekend, finishing in second place as a team. On the season they are 5-3 in duals as a team. Several of the girls would go undefeated (5-0) on the evening as well including Seniors Abby Bowen and Alexus Johns. Other individual performances that stood out was Erika Pech who would go 4-1 on the evening at 145 lbs. Freshman Makiya Workes who was just placed in the starting lineup earlier this week at 135 lbs. showed up and wrestled well. Being one of the several freshmen in the lineup currently, she has experienced a trial by fire in her limited action so far this season. However, her 2 wins on the evening, including a come from behind pin late in the 3rd period helped secure team victories for the Lady Bulldogs.
Their next tournament will be at Blair Oaks on December 17th. ThThey will quickly follow up with the 2-day Battle of Katy Trail event in Sedalia, MO on the 19th and 20th. The Battle of Katy Trail is one of the largest girls tournaments in Missouri during the regular high school season. There are over 80 teams registered for this event between the boys and the girls. The girls’ division will feature the vast majority of Class 1 teams including nine District 2 opponents. After that, the Lady Bulldogs will be off from competition until close to New Year’s when they take part in the Wonder Woman tournament in Columbia, MO at Battle High School.
