Their hard work and dedication paid off Sunday as the Dragons competed in the annual Hubbard Tournament and earned a first-place finish out of 39 teams.

“The girls showed so much resilience this weekend,” commented head coach Glen Baldensperger.

Rookie Karolina Martinelli picked up two wins via fall with first-year senior Kaylee Cyphert going 4-2 with four falls, bringing home fourth place. Jenna Kophazy went an impressive 4-0 with two falls and two one-point decisions to claim her second title at the Hubbard Tournament as she continues to gain her confidence.

Bryn Lindell earned three wins with two falls, including an 11-5 decision on her way to a second-place finish.

Submitted Photo Jenna Kophazy, second from right, went an impressive 4-0 with two falls and two one-point decisions to claim her second title at the Hubbard Tournament.

“Bryn is a quiet leader in the room as she leads by example,” Baldensperger said. “We look to see her on top of a podium soon.”

Leah Morrison picked up her first varsity win of the season and some valuable team points in her first year. Nakita Nelson had a nice bounce-back tournament after not having her best last weekend, earning four wins in a row via fall. Her last victory she was down and on her back, but she bridged out, rolled the girl through, and stuck her to get into the finals, and a second place.

“But that was what defined us this weekend. Every single lady just didn’t give up, they all fought to the end,” Baldenspergersaid.

Alliesun Woodin, an up-and-coming freshman, went 2-2 with two falls and valuable team points and experience.

Emily Wiles scrapped, going 2-2 with two falls. Madisyn Flores had another great weekend, going 5-1 with her only loss to the eventual champion, bringing home a third-place finish and five falls.

Abbie Darr continued her dominance on the mat. With a first-round bye, she rattled off three straight falls to win her second consecutive tournament and remain undefeated on the season. Also earning valuable mat time and experience were Hannah Cobb, Madilyn Dikun, Kylee Madigan, Makayla Nobles, Alice Sheehy, Loupeeta Shirley, Chloe Wiles and Miyah Zaso.

The junior high team was represented by first-place finisher McKenzie Hodak as she had three falls on her way to first place. Hodak and Autumn Waite wrestled in a youth tournament the day before, and both came away as champions . Maci Hodak earned a fifth- place finish. Newcomer Skylar Zaffino went 2-2, and Madelyn Ferrie and Molly Thompson picked up some great experience as well.

“We have a great staff to help these girls in Paul Waite, Keith Kophazy, James Wiles and volunteer Steve Silliano,” Baldensperger said. “Eisenhower coach Jared Lindell has had a hand in preparing our ladies as well,” Baldensperger concluded.

The girls are back in action on Jan. 3 when they compete in the Curwensville Tournament.