Girls wrestling: Gomez, Perry finish as undefeated state champs

BLOOMINGTON - If there was any doubt if both Gabriella Gomez and Sydney Perry are not the best in the state, as well as near the top on the national scene, look no further to the sensational performances each produced Saturday at the second girls state championships.

The dynamic duo were - well - dynamic over the two days here in Bloomington at the Grossinger Motors Arena with Gomez (33-0) unstoppable at 115 pounds, while Perry (34-0) near perfect at 145 as each collected their second consecutive state title.

The area would also celebrate championship efforts from Emma Engels, from Bartlett, and Ayana Jasinski of Grant, who would be part of a 21 state medal haul.

"I just love everything about this sport - from helping my teammates in our room, to cheering on friends in other classes (and) doing my best to get better each time I train, and compete," said the Glenbard North sophomore Gomez, who will soon pass her brother Austin on the all-time list for takedowns (244-242) with an eye on program leader Tony Ramos who stands at 288.

Gomez would major Eliana Paramo (Joliet Central, 37-4) in her final after the aforementioned Engels (37-12) shut out Alexandra Sebek (Oak Forest, 41-7) in her 100-pound final.

Jasinski (21-3) was embroiled in a tight, intense contest with Grace Guarino (Lincoln-Way Central, 13-1) until striking the winning takedown with 29 seconds remaining in the first overtime session.

"(It) all happened so fast," said Jasinski when recounting her thrilling finish, who won her two previous matches in advance of her final with 3-1 and 3-2 decisions.

"I know (they) thought it wasn't a takedown, but when I (sunk) that leg, I felt like I got the takedown."

"We always tried to get Ayane as many tough matches with quality opponents, whether against boys, or girls, and all of the hard work she has put in resulted in her winning a well deserved state championship," said Grant coach Mark Jolcover.

Sydney Perry, nationally ranked in the top four, as is Gomez, tech-falled her way into the final where she met previously undefeated, Valerie Hamilton (El Paso-Gridley) whose plan to slow the Batavia star appeared to work until the junior drew even at 4-4 midway through the third period before a well executed near fall close to time gave Perry a 7-4 victory.

A look around the weight divisions saw freshman Janiah Slaughter (Huntley, 100, 27-5) finish third, as did Ava Babbs (Lakes, 125, 22-5), who was a state qualifier a year ago.

Hoffman Estates sophomore Sophia Ball (120, 42-6) gave eventual state champion, Angelina Cassioppi (Hononegah, 27-6), all she could handle in the semifinals, and would later finish fifth overall.

Jayden Huesca-Rodriguez (West Chicago, 18-1) would fall short in her bid to claim the top prize at 190 after her loss to Ini Odumosu (Homewood-Flossmoor, 36-4), while in this same weight class, Wheeling freshman Jasmine Rene (18-10) claimed a fourth-place medal.

Larkin senior Maria Ferrer (155, 31-7), fourth here a year ago at 170, came back through wrestle-backs to take home fifth overall.

"It was difficult to make the switch from 170 back down to (155) but I am real proud of that move, and to (still) win a state medal," said Ferrer, who plans on an Actuary degree, while also continuing to wrestle in college.

Mannie Anderson (Conant, 35-6), sixth here last season, moved up a spot at 135, while Schaumburg junior Valeria Rodriguez (140, 37-2) won a second straight third place medal.

"The goal is always to be in the state final, but I felt like I wrestled real well this weekend, and I still have one more year to realize my dream of winning a state title," said Rodriguez, third last year at 155

Victoria Majias (Burlington Central, 31-9) was fifth at 110, with Glenbard West senior Khatija Ahmed (25-1) sixth overall at 130.