Three area girls captured victories on the first day of the inaugural PIAA-sanctioned girls state tournament at the Giant Center in Hershey. Bellwood-Antis sophomore Juliette Cuevas, Northern Bedford’s Kaylee Ebersole, and Raegan Snider all advanced to the quarterfinals in their respective weight classes after securing wins in their opening bouts.

Cuevas, who received a fire truck escort out of town, displayed confidence and skill as she dominated her opponent, Sophia Beanner of Mount Lebanon, with an 18-6 major decision in the 100-pound category. Ebersole secured a 12-5 win over Anya Abel from Pennsbury in the 106-pound class, while Snider pinned Imani Cameron-Botti in 1:27 in the 155-pound division.

The crowd showed their support for the girls as they took to the mats, reflecting the significance of the tournament. Cuevas expressed her excitement, emphasizing the event’s importance for female wrestlers across the state.

Reflecting on her performance, Cuevas expressed her determination to secure more wins and aim for a top-three finish. She attributed her success to her proficiency in scrambling and highlighted her ability to outwrestle opponents in challenging situations.

Both Ebersole and Snider, despite initial nerves, showcased their potential and determination, with their coaches expressing confidence in their ability to perform well as the tournament progresses.

The girls’ victories mark a significant milestone in the wrestling community, signaling a new era of opportunities for female wrestlers in the state. As they prepare for the quarterfinals, their performances have already inspired and garnered support from spectators, further solidifying the importance of the inaugural girls state tournament.