The Ankeny girls’ wrestling team closed out the regular season on Monday in record-setting fashion.
Coach Dustin Roland’s third-ranked squad easily defeated all four of its opponents at the Pleasantville Duals to win the tournament for the third straight year. Ankeny improved to 27-3, breaking the school record for most victories in a season.
The previous mark was set by the 2023-24 team that finished with a 23-2 record.
“This is a great event, and we look forward to it each year,” said Roland. “We got a lot of younger girls some more varsity experience.”
Ankeny posted wins over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (66-12), Pleasantville (54-22), Ballard (66-6) and Creston (47-27). The team is now 11-0 at this tournament over the last three years.
Junior Lauren Watson, who is ranked third at 110 pounds, recorded falls in her only two matches to reach the 100-win mark for her career. She pinned Pleasantville’s Josie Howrey in 1 minute 39 seconds, then needed just 18 seconds to pin Ballard’s Kacey Smith.
Two of Watson’s former Ankeny teammates, Elyse Engebretson and Haylee McGrew, reached the 100-win milestone at last year’s tournament.
“Lauren getting her 100th win out of the way before (the regional tournament on) Friday was a great thing,” Roland said.
Raegan Semrow went 4-0 on the night with three falls at 100. Kaylie Staples went 4-0 with two pins at 190.
“Raegan picking up four wins was huge for her, and Kaylie was able to pick up four more wins as well,” Roland said.
Audri Headrick went 2-1 at 135, including a fall over E-B-F’s Madison Connell in just 18 seconds.
“Audri wrestled her last matches in an Ankeny singlet, and we will forever be grateful for her commitment to the program,” Roland said.
Bradlynn Virchow also went 2-1 with a pin at 120.
“Brad finished her season on a great note and showed much improvement over the course of the season,” Roland said.
Ankeny will head to Glenwood on Friday for a Class 2A regional tournament.