Jade Blackhart dominating her match as LAHS coaches and referee watch closely. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Molly Castille breaking her opponent down. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

By KayLinda Crawford
Los Alamos Daily Post

The Los Alamos High School (LAHS) Girls Wrestling Team competed recently in The Conflict at Cleveland High School Tournament in Rio Rancho.

“It’s one of the toughest tournaments in the state with teams traveling in from Arizona, Utah and Colorado,” Head Coach Emily Tew said. “The girls placed 11th of 33 teams with Jade Blackhart and Wendy Sheppard earning 4th place individual finishes. All of the girls wrestled well and saw a higher level of competition than we normally see in the state.”

The team also traveled to Socorro recently for the Lady Warrior Invitational, placing 5th out of 19 teams.  Wendy Sheppard and Jade Blackhart earned 3rd place finishes while Gala Nelson, Molly Castille and Xylin Patterson came in 4th place.

“It was wonderful to see some of the adjustments we have been making take shape in the matches,” Tew said.

The next event for the Hilltoppers is Friday, Jan. 20 at Atrisco Heritage High School in Albuquerque.

LAHS Girls Wrestling Head Coach Emily Tew watches the matches. Photo by Stacey Castille

Xylin Patterson wrestles her opponent as LAHS coaches and teammates watch and cheer her on. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Natalie Crawford gets into a defending position. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Claire Bullock, right, spars with her opponent as coaches look on. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Molly Castille, left, getting post-match advice from Coach Tew. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Emmeline Weaver takes a strong position during her match. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com 

Wendy Sheppard battles as her coaches and teammates cheer her on. Photo by KayLinda Crawford