Tedesco, Mustafa win girls wrestling regionals
KISSIMMEE ― It was a business approach for junior Lake Gibson wrestler Gabby Tedesco in the Class 1A, Region 2 Girls Wrestling Tournament Friday at Osceola High School.
Tedesco (105, 6-0) had tunnel vision, and executed her game plan, a second regional championship after a technical fall of 17-1 over junior Orlando Freedom wrestler Maite Coutinoho (23-5). McKeel placed fifth as a team with 89 points.
“It feels great. I’m so happy that my hard work is paying off,” Tedesco said. “After one of my matches I was not proud of how I performed. I was talking down on myself but being able to bounce back from anything is important. I knew what I came to do, and I knew I had a job to complete.”
Lake Wales junior wrestler Jennah Mustafa (145, 32-2) completed her job of winning a second regional championship in her high school career. Mustafa won a 3-2 decision over senior South Lake (Groveland) wrestler Zoe Williamson (31-3).
“It feels great to get first. I’ve worked hard all season and it feels nice seeing everything come together,” Mustafa said. “The most important part of my finals match was deciding what position to pick. I wanted to choose bottom but my coach told me to choose neutral and I am happy I decided to go with that.”
Senior Auburndale wrestler Rylee Christmas (235, 7-1) took third after pinning freshman wrestler Thalia Rodriguez (16-13) in 38 seconds.
“I obviously wish I would’ve came in first but I never once gave up on any of my matches and can say I truly gave it my all and I still placed higher than they predicted so I am very proud to come in third,” Christmas said.
The most pivotal part of the match was when Rodriguez headbutted Christmas, which caused injury time. It was during this time that Auburndale head coach Antonio Thomas said, “Just go out there and pin her,” which is what happened in the end.
“I don’t know if the outcome would’ve been the same if I wouldn’t (have) heard those words from him,” Christmas said.
Team scores: 1. Freedom Orlando (FO) 192, 2. Osceola Kissimmee (OK) 160.5, 3. Apopka (A) 116, 4. Hernando (H) 111, 5. McKeel (M) 89
Individuals
First-place match
115: Cameron Galvin (FO, 35-2) major decision over Mayangelie Colon (Mulberry, 21-4), 19-5; 170: Grace Leota (H, 31-0) pins Alexia Davis (M, 20-8), 1:09
Third-place match
105: Madelyne Bombardier (M, 28-13) major decision over Gianella Walczak (Springstead, 21-10), 21-11
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Tedesco, Mustafa win girls wrestling regionals
