The depth of the Ankeny girls’ wrestling team paid off on Saturday at the Ankeny Centennial Duals.
Ankeny coach Dustin Roland used a variety of lineups throughout the meet, but his team just kept on winning. Roland’s squad went a perfect 5-0 to capture the tournament crown at Northview Middle School.
“We had a great day,” said Roland. “I was proud of every girl who competed. Our depth really showed as we had 23 girls get into the varsity duals.”
Ankeny rolled to a 78-3 win over Norwalk in its opening meet. The team then followed with victories over Woodward-Granger (78-6) and Mason City (64-18).
Lauren Heimer recorded a fall in 2 minutes at 145 pounds against the River Hawks.
“Lauren got her first varsity match of the season after coming back from an injury,” Roland said.
After posting a 72-12 win over Humboldt in the semifinals, Ankeny defeated West Marshall, 51-28, in the championship match. The team improved to 8-0 on the season.
Fifth-ranked Lauren Watson went 5-0 on the day with three falls at 100. Nora Bockes also went 5-0 with a pin at 115.
Elyse Engebretson went 4-0 while competing at 120 and 125. All four of her wins came by fall.
Trudy Haag at 120/125, No. 4 Hayden Bratland at 140, No. 6 Dana Cleveland at 145, No. 3 Haylee McGrew at 155 and Mallorie McGuire at 170/190 each went 4-0 with three pins.
“We have some positions that are up for grabs, and that’s a great thing,” Roland said.
Ankeny has a busy week ahead with three meets in a span of four days.
“We’ll send 28 girls to Saydel on Monday, we have a dual vs. Southeast Polk at home on Tuesday, and then we head to the the prestigious Battle of Waterloo on Thursday,” Roland said.
