The Fairfield girls wrestling team split a pair of duals on Thursday, December 4th, falling to Davis County 42-30 before bouncing back to defeat Centerville 30-23 in a home quadrangular. The Trojans hosted Centerville, Davis County, and Keokuk.
Davis County 42, Fairfield 30
The Mustangs, fielding nearly a full roster, earned five forfeit victories to take the dual. Fairfield got wins from Bekah Zirkle (110) via forfeit, Aislinn Wise (145), Bailey Belzer (155) via forfeit, Samantha Lyons (190), and Kendra Allison (235).
June Connor (105) and Kensley Fligg (120) dropped their matches for the Trojans.
Fairfield 30, Centerville 23
The Trojans rebounded with a victory over Centerville, with Aislinn Wise delivering the clinching win at 145 pounds. Wise’s victory secured enough team points to guarantee the dual win, as Fairfield was set to receive three consecutive forfeit wins in the final matches.
June Connor (105) started Fairfield off with a forfeit win, while Bailey Belzer (155), Samantha Lyons (170), and Kendra Allison (235) all earned forfeit victories after Wise’s clinching match.
Bekah Zirkle (110) and Kensley Fligg (120) lost their matches in the dual.
Coach Kool’s Perspective
Fairfield coach Dane Kool was encouraged by the progress his wrestlers are showing early in the season.
“The girls are really leaning into the importance of learning and using the technique shown in the practice room,” Kool said. “You can see the situations we’ve been practicing present themselves in competition, and the girls are applying the technique shown to gain the advantage. That’s where coaches get their satisfaction—seeing the kids improve because of what we teach them.”
Kool praised his returning state qualifiers for their performances.
“Returning state qualifiers Samantha Lyons and Kendra Allison had their game faces on. They showed why they’re poised to return to that level and beyond this year,” Kool said.
While pleased with the team victory over Centerville, Kool noted that the team is focused on continued improvement and ensuring all wrestlers are ready to perform at their highest level in every competition.
Looking Ahead
The Trojan girls will compete next on Friday, December 5th, at the Bill Rex Girls Invitational hosted by Pekin. First matches begin at 4:00 p.m.
