SEQUIM — In a matchup of two girls wrestling state-title contenders, Sequim’s Alma Mendoza bested Port Townsend’s Chloe Rogers 5-4 in their 145-pound match at Sequim High School.
Mendoza placed seventh in the 125-pound bracket at Mat Classic, the state wrestling tournament last season.
Rogers finished second at state at 140 pounds in her first season of wrestling.
It’s likely that both wrestlers will compete at 140 pounds during the upcoming postseason.
Mendoza earned the win in Thursday’s match with two points in the final 10 seconds.
“I’ve lost to her two times before and I really wanted it,” Mendoza said.
“The last time she beat me she outpointed me by a lot, so that was my goal this year to beat her. I knew I’d see her again this year.”
Redhawks coach Steve Grimm said Rogers’ effort must improve.
“She didn’t wrestle,” Grimm said.
“She was on the bottom most of the match and just wasn’t aggressive enough to win.
“Chloe will have to bring a better effort if she wants to make it through the postseason and get back to state.”
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.