.png)
There is strength in numbers, and the Lady Wildcats proved it at the regional powerlifting meet over the weekend with seven lifters qualifying for state.
With homecourt advantage, Elgin placed first in the regional meet with 52 points overall.
Nya Kirk Jones took the top spot in the 259-pound weight class. She squatted 550 pounds, the top squat in the entire meet, along with a bench press of 325 pounds and deadlifted 415 pounds. Kirk Jones’ performance was the best of the entire field of competition with a total of 1,290 pounds.
Elizabeth Nunez earned first place in the 114-pound division by lifting a total of 715 pounds. She squatted 300 pounds, benched 165 and deadlifted 250 pounds to secure gold.
In the 123-pound division, Maria Yanez won first place with her lifts. Yanez squatted 300 pounds, benched 140 pounds and deadlifted 310 pounds. Her performance of lifting 750 pounds was enough to take the top spot.
In the same weight class, Melani Velasquez lifted a total of 550 pounds to earn fourth place and teammate Deysy Sanchez lifted at total of 535 pounds and placed seventh.
Jessica Dominguez placed third in the 132-pound division lifting 690 pounds total. Madison Woehl and Abigail Freeman also placed in the 132-pound division at fourth and eighth respectively with 650- and 605-pound lifts.
In the 148-pound class, the Lady Wildcats dominated with three of the top four spots.
Ralyssa Enueshike took first with a total of 960 pounds lifted. She squatted 365, benched 190 and deadlifted 405.
Jordin Seeger placed third after squatting 300 pounds, benching 190 pounds and deadlifting 315 pounds for a total of 805 pounds. Seeger was followed by fellow Lady Wildcat Danny King, who placed fourth with a total of 765 pounds. She squatted 300, benched 165 and deadlifted 300 pounds.
Dayla Palacios and Ainsley Orme earned first and second, respectively, in the 165-weight class. Palacios squatted 345, benched 215 and deadlifted 335 pounds, a total of 895 pounds. Orme was close behind with a total lift of 890 pounds. Orme squatted 385, benched 201 and deadlifted 395 pounds.
Lysette placed fourth in the 181-pound division with a total lift of 755 pounds. Jaliyah Price placed fourth in the 198-poud division lifting a total of 740 pounds. In the same division, Siena McBride placed ninth with a total lift of 635 pounds.
Elgin also had lifters in the 220-pound division with Mayra Garcia getting seventh place. In the 259-pound division, Hailey Newlin earned eighth place.
The Lady Wildcats will now prepare for the state meet March 18 in Frisco.
