HAYS — Humboldt High wrestlers Willow LaCrone and Savannah Koch were each one win away from vying for a state championship.
The Lady Cub dynamic duo each won their first two matches of the day at the Class 3-1A State Tournament, thus securing a bid to Saturday’s championship semifinals in their respective weight classes.
LaCrone, wrestling at 155 lbs., is guaranteed a medal in the Class 3-1A State Tournament, courtesy of two victories.
In her opener, she made quick work of her opponent, Allivia Haggard of Chaparral in the opening round.
LaCrone seized the upper hand quickly, getting a takedown 17 seconds into the match. She held that advantage until getting the pin at the 1:05 mark of the first period.
She followed that up with an equally impressive win over Johnna Ebner of Phillipsburg, where she pinned her foe with 30 seconds left in the first period.
The win advances LaCrone to the semifinals, where she will face off against Cali Wagoner of Oakley.
KOCH also is guaranteed some state hardware.
Koch dominated Maddison Suderman of Solomon in their 190-pound match to open the tournament.
Koch controlled the action from the outset to claim a second period pin at 3:13. Koch had a first-period takedown, narrowly missing out on a pin.
But she got two points for an escape 25 seconds into the second period, and then had the takedown and pin about 45 seconds later.
Koch then gave the locals a charge by knocking off second-seeded Layton Roberts of Douglass in the quarterfinals.
Koch largely avoided trouble, while getting credited for takedowns in each of the three periods in a 9-6 win.
The victory sets up a semifinal showdown against Cadence Greeson of Norton.
The championship matches will be held later Saturday at Fort Hays State University.
THEIR TEAMMATES will have some work to do continue any further at State.
