The Pekin girls wrestling team competed in a quadrangular at Ottumwa on Monday, December 22nd—a meet postponed from December 11th—finishing 1-2 while battling injuries and sickness. The evening was highlighted by senior Hailey Pedrick earning her 100th career win.
New Rankings
The meet came on the same day IAWrestle released updated rankings that featured three Pekin wrestlers and the team itself. Lexa Nelson is ranked #3 at 110 pounds, Lila Miller is #5 at 125 pounds, and Hailey Pedrick is #4 at 145 pounds. The Panthers earned their first-ever team ranking at #8 in the state.
Dual Results
Pekin 48, Davis County 36
The Panthers opened with a victory over Davis County. Bree Earnest (105) defeated Lydia Dekraai by fall at 1:53. Lexa Nelson (110) pinned Bradi Houston at 1:52. Ivory Small (135) defeated Noelle Hill by fall at 2:12. Hailey Pedrick (140) pinned Jaydee Bircher at 3:24.
Pekin also received forfeit wins from Alyvia Traner (120), Lila Miller (125), Ella Rose (155), and Rylee Frye (190).
Ottumwa 60, Pekin 24
The host Bulldogs, a powerhouse program, defeated Pekin in the second dual. Nelson (110) continued her dominance with a fall over Allison Godoy Quintana at 1:48. Miller (125) recorded a quick fall over Alexandra Perry in just 22 seconds. Pedrick (140) pinned Maiya Barnes in 20 seconds. Rose (155) defeated Khloe Droz by fall at 1:20.
In an exhibition match at 235 pounds, Carly Clubb pinned Alazai Carlberg at 1:02.
Pekin suffered losses from Earnest (105), Traner (120), Small (135), and Frye (190).
Davenport West 48, Pekin 36
In the final dual, Davenport West received six forfeit victories but won only two contested matches against Pekin’s wrestlers.
Earnest (105) bounced back with a quick fall over Amber Botkin in 24 seconds. Nelson (110) defeated Jazelle Robertson by fall at 1:15 for the trio of first-period victories. Miller (125) pinned Italia VanMeter Ceniceros in 26 seconds. Small (135) defeated Daisy Burkhart by fall at 1:05.
The highlight came at 145 pounds, where Pedrick pinned Kailah Andrews in 25 seconds to earn her 100th career win—a milestone achievement for the senior.
Frye (190) closed the dual with a fall over Natavia Hobert at 1:41.
Pekin dropped matches at 120 pounds (Traner) and 155 pounds (Rose).
Coach’s Perspective
Pekin girls wrestling coach Jeff Follman was pleased with his team’s performance despite the challenges they faced.
“The meet tonight at Ottumwa went well and showed the ability of the Pekin girls’ wrestling team. The teams that were at the meet tonight were athletic and talented. It was a great high point to close out the 2025 calendar year before Christmas break,” Follman said.
Follman highlighted the accomplishments of his senior class, particularly Pedrick’s milestone.
“We have a great group of athletes at Pekin who have accomplished so much. A prime example is one of our senior athletes, Hailey Pedrick, with her 100th win of her high school wrestling career, with her two teammates and classmates near the same—Lexa Nelson, who is committed to wrestling at Loras, and Lila Miller,” Follman said.
The Panthers will look to build on their strong finish to 2025 when competition resumes after the holiday break.
Photography courtesy of Rylie Nelson and Amber Earnest.
