Mount Vernon-Lisbon is sending five wrestlers to the state tournament, which starts Thursday, Feb. 1, at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Sophomore Kiersten Swart (110), senior Meika Neal (135), senior Ashlynn Carter-Shook (155), sophomore Gracie Pinckney (170) and junior Libby Dix (190) are heading to Coralville after earning a top four finish at the IGHSAU Super Regional Qualifier 6 on Friday, Jan. 26, in Cedar Rapids.
“Our girls peaked at the right time,” MVL Coach Trevor Trende said. “I am very happy with qualifying five girls to state, especially when two are seniors. I am beyond excited for them.”
Like most coaches, Trende worries about the ones that got away. Sophomore Adeline Whisner (140) and senior Audrey Tucker (115) both had a chance to qualify, but fell just one match short.
“My heart breaks,” Trende said. “Both girls are so deserving. Thankfully, Adi is only a sophomore. Audrey really bought in this seasn and did everything right … She stayed after practice and lived the lifestyle. We will miss her leadership next season.”
Swart and Dix were dominating on their way to Regional titles. Swart, now 32-3 on the season, pinned all four of her opponents, including Angelina Roling of Highland in the finals.
Dix, now 31-1, pinned her three opponents, the first two in 20 seconds and 21 seconds, and then stuck Joscelyn Stricker of Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the championship in 5:28.
Pinckney and Neal finished third, and Carter-Shook was fourth.
Bettendrof won the Regional Qualifier 6 with 230.5 team points, followed by Vinton-Shellsburg (225) and then Mount Vernon-Lisbon (172).

Gallery • 4 Photos

--Courtesy photo Mike Cranston

MVL’s Addie Whisner grapples with an opponent at the Super Regional qualifier.