It was a strong start to the season for both the WACO and Highland girls’ wrestling teams this weekend. The Huskies finished eighth and the Warriors ninth in the team standings at the BGM Tournament Saturday in Brooklyn. The big highlight was Highland junior Angelina Roling starting her season by claiming the tournament title at 120 pounds. Roling pinned both of her opponents to start the season 2-0.

Highland also had a pair of runners-up at BGM. Husky sophomore Lilly Barre pinned her first three opponents before falling in the 125-pound final. Senior Mackenzie McFarland won in the opening round in a 16-5 major decision and pinned her semifinal opponent, but she fell in the finals on an 8-6 sudden victory at 115 lbs. Junior Abbie Grout rounds out the Huskies’ performance by finishing third at 100 lbs and splitting both of her bouts.

WACO’s top finish was second in the weight class for two different wrestlers. Senior Bralyyn Wagler won via pin but lost the same way in the 235-lbs final. Sophomore Rylee Rice got a pair of pins before losing in the finals at 120. Senior Grace Fort also wrestled for the Warriors at 235 and finished third, going 2-2 on the day. Sophomore Emma Szewczyk also split four bouts and finished fifth at 190, while senior Heaven Steege responded to a first-round loss with three straight pins to take fifth at 125. Both Highland and WACO will be back on the mat tonight at a tournament at West Liberty.