Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

BLOOMINGTON — A total of 11 wrestlers from the region earned a trip Bloomington for the very first Girls State Wrestling Tournament.

The action got underway Friday morning at Grossinger Motors Arena, with three wrestlers going 2-0 to advance to the semifinals with three others in the consolational bracket.

Lawrenceville teammate Brianna Richey (100) and Shaina Hyre (110) as well as Goreville’s Alivia Ming (135) all won their first to matches to advance to the semifinals. They can finish no worse than sixth.

Red Bud’s Avery Smith (120), Trico’s Maggie Ramaker (140), and Mt. Vernon’s Faith Barret (170) all finished 2-1 on day one and will start day two in the consolation quarterfinals. They need one more win to be guaranteed a top six finish.

Goreville’s Molly Merrill (105) and Mikah Merrill (115), Anna-Jonesboro’s Oregan Dover (125), Robinson’s Charley McColpin (140), and Marion’s Haylie Nappier-Feth (145) all suffered two losses on day one and have been eliminated.

The championship semifinals will start Saturday’s schedule at 9:00 in the morning. The matches for medals are scheduled to start at 12:15 with the Grand March at 1:45 and the championship matches to follow.