The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) girls’ wrestling team is making strides this season, showing grit and determination in their recent competitions. The team hosted a home dual on Thursday, December 5, against Eldorado and Clark, followed by a strong showing at the Green Valley Girls Invitational over the weekend.
Home Dual Highlights
The Trojans took to their home mat with determination. Against Eldorado, standout performances included Tiler Ledford (170), who earned a win by pin, and Jemima Chavez (190), who secured a victory on points. Payton Weaver (120) and McKenna King also impressed, with Weaver winning by pin and King bouncing back from an earlier match to claim a victory by pin as well.
In their matchups against Clark, Weaver continued her winning streak with another pin, while Sarah Penner (125) displayed her resilience despite a tough loss.
Success at the Green Valley Invitational
The weekend brought the team to the prestigious Green Valley Girls Invitational, where they competed against some of the best wrestlers in southern Nevada. Payton Weaver stood out with an exceptional 4-1 record, earning 3rd place overall in her weight class. Weaver’s success exemplifies her dedication and skill, cementing her as a strong contender this season.
Tiler Ledford also had a solid performance, going 2-2 in her matches. McKenna King showed her perseverance with a 2-5 record, and Jemima Chavez earned a hard-fought victory in one of her matches. Sarah Penner, though winless, continues to gain valuable experience that will serve her well in future competitions.
Girls’ Head Coach Mike Colucci praised the team’s progress, emphasizing their dedication and growth.
“Similar to the boys, our girls are getting better every day. Conditioning hard, learning their technique, competing,” said Colucci. “It is a tall task to qualify for the state meet on the girls’ side because they are not broken up into different classifications. Each weight class bracket includes wrestlers from all southern Nevada schools, which for some weight classes can include up to 40 wrestlers. And only the top four in each weight class qualify for state.”
Coach Colucci highlighted Weaver’s journey as a testament to the team’s potential. “Payton wrestled her tail off last year at regionals to come one spot short of the top four. We are hopeful for her and the rest of the members of the girls’ team to continue improving and give themselves the best chance possible of qualifying for the state tournament.”
Looking Ahead
The PVHS girls’ wrestling team continues to train hard and focus on their goals, embodying the Trojan spirit of determination and perseverance. With a mix of experience and young talent, they are poised for an exciting season ahead, with aspirations of making their mark at the state tournament.
As the season progresses, the support and encouragement from the Pahrump community will be vital as these young athletes strive to reach new heights.
