The team’s most successful wrestler found herself facing elimination at the state tournament in Houston on the first day.

“A feeling of dread came over me,” senior Ariana Mendoza said, “it was only my second loss this season. I used it to keep pushing and motivate me to win.”

Mendoza needed to win the next match to advance. Coming off the loss, she dominated her next opponent and won by pinfall to survive the first day.

Mendoza won her match the next day, guaranteeing her a spot in the top four. After a last minute attempt at a takedown failed, Mendoza lost a close 3rd place match and finished the meet as fourth in state for her weight class.

“She handled herself very well,” coach Brett Wandler said, “you need to be perfect at the state tournament and that is a gamble with only four months of wrestling experience.”

“I was happy to place at the state tournament,” Mendoza said, “but I was disappointed that I was not first. I had the ability to be the champion but a few mistakes impeded on my success.”

Mendoza received her first scholarship offer to continue wrestling in college from Lindewood University in Missouri during the state meet.

“I want to wrestle in college and I got an offer,” Mendoza said, “but I’m hoping that the national tournament will bring about more scholarship offers.”

Mendoza will be representing the school and state at the National Wrestling Tournament in Oklahoma City at the end of March.

“I believe that I can place in the top five at the National Tournament as well,” Mendoza said.