Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

PEORIA — The inaugural Girls Wrestling State Final is set for February 25-26 in Bloomington, and several area wrestlers have earned spots in the historic event.

The top four wrestlers in each weight class in the four sectionals held Saturday will be headed to Bloomington. Area wrestlers competed in the Peoria Richwoods Sectional. There are 22 state qualifiers that call the 618 home, 12 of those coming from the Metro East.

Goreville had three of the 10 qualifiers from the immediate region, including Alivia Ming won the 135 pound weight class. Ming pinned Macomb’s Kelly Ladd in the second period of the championship match. Teammate Mikah Merrill finished second in 115; Molly Merrill was fourth in 105.

Lawrenceville qualified two, and both won their respective weight classes. Brianna Richey was the winner at 100, with teammate Shaina Hyre winning 110.

The other sectional winner from the region was Marion’s Haylie Nappier-Feth, who took care of business at 145. Nappier-Feth pinned Sanaa Hampton from Rock Island High School in the second period of the championship match.

Other state qualifiers include Red Bud’s Avery Smith, who finished second in 120. Anna-Jonesboro’s Oregan Dover finished fourth in 125. Trico’s Maggie Ramaker took third in 140, and Mt. Vernon’s Faith Berret was third in 170.

The Girls State Final will be held prior to the boys Dual Team State Meet at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

For complete results from the Peoria Sectional, click here.