LA PALMA – The Kennedy girls wrestling team made another strong statement in the Empire League dual season and wrapped up the league title in the process.
Kennedy won five matches by fall and received five forfeits to defeat Cypress, 63-18, Wednesday night. The victory gave Kennedy a second consecutive league title.
“It shows how hard my girls are working,” Kennedy coach Mike Kim said. “I told them they had to earn it every year. Cypress has a good team, with some tough girls and we had to fight to the end, even when they lost.”
“This year was tougher than last year and next year will be even tougher because I’m losing four seniors.”
After a pair of forfeit victories to start the match, Kennedy earned three wins by fall, by Sydney Spradley (111), Arianna Gonzalez (121) and Destiny Gonzalez (126), and a 7-2 decision for Cameryn Hulbert to take a 33-0 lead.
“They were the key to us winning league,” Kim said of Spradley, Hulbert and Arianna Gonzalez. “They all came through for us tonight.”
Kiana Hatfield (150) and Brittany Cruz (189) also recorded pins for Kennedy.
Kennedy senior team captain Alaura Couch (101) said she tried to follow the example set by the team’s standout last season, Miyuki Pugrad.
“She was the hardest worker I ever met,” Couch said. “Her being around and watching her really pushed me and helped me be a better captain.”
Couch and her sister Allyson Couch (106) received forfeits for Kennedy.
Alaura Couch also pointed out the toughness of her senior teammate, Kayla Czelusniak. Czelusniak appeared to suffer an injury to her shoulder in her 143-pound match, but continued.
Cypress’ Mia Guzman, who was bumped up from 137 to 143, eventually won the match with Czelusniak by fall in the third period.
“Everybody fought hard, especially Kayla,” Couch said. “They showed that what they do in the (wrestling) room shows on the mat.”
Cypress won its first match at 131 pounds with a victory by fall by Sabrina Tafuna. The Centurions also received a forfeit at 235.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@scng.com
