Four Hornets will represent Enumclaw High at Mat Classic, the state wrestling tournament, Friday and Saturday at the Tacoma Dome, including defending state champion Chantelle Bailey.
“We’ve got some pretty good draws,” coach Jerry Scheidt said. “We’re excited for this week. The girls are excited to get to Tacoma and get some rewards for their hard work.”
Bailey earned her shot at a second title by winning the 171-pound division Saturday at the Regional 1 wrestling tournament at Emerald Ridge in Puyallup. The senior topped Mount Tahoma’s Camella Hunter 17-4 for the crown.
Bailey, 28-0, faces Alexi Prante of Montesano in the opening round of state competition.
“Our focus is her wrestling her best match every time she’s on the mat,” Scheidt said.
She will be joined at state by teammates Logann Erskine, Jade Paterson and Rose Johnson.
Erskine finished fourth at the regional tournament in the 160-pound division. She opens the state tournament against Jessy Christensen of Rogers High.
Paterson and Johnson will both compete in the 285-pound division. Paterson, a freshman, earned her trip to state with a second-place finish Saturday. She lost in the title round to Kendra Cremeans of Bethel. She faces Makenzi Clark of Sedro Woolley in the first-round of competition at state.
“She’s wrestling really smart,” Scheidt said. “She’s wrestling well on her feet. She’s giving up 50 pounds every match. She has to use her speed and quickness.”
Johnson finished fourth at the regional tournament. She squares off against Mixtly Simon of Battle Ground for her first match at state.
Hornet Kassandra Renfrow finished seventh at the regional tournament and will serve as an alternate. The top six advance to state.
Maranda Long also wrestled for the Hornets, coming one match away from being an alternate.
The Hornets finished fifth behind Emerald Ridge and Rogers. White River was third.