Nevada’s Claire Pritchett qualifies for her second state wrestling tournament
The Nevada Lady Tiger wrestling team had two sectional qualifiers, Taylor Thompson and Claire Pritchett. Thompson, however was unable to wrestle due to an injury sustained in the district tournament. Pritchett, a returning state medalist, Nevada’s first female medalist, would have to battle through adversity to obtain her state ticket.
Pritchett was the MSHSAA Class 2 District 6 champion and would fare well in her first round contest where she would pin Taylor Glidewell from Cassville in :43 seconds. Pritchett faced a familiar foe in her semi-final match, Leanna Merrell of Marshfield. Pritchett and Merrell met several times this season with Pritchett winning them all. Merrell came out very aggressive and was able to get Pritchett out of position taking her from her feet to her back and picking up the pin fall victory. This was Pritchett’s second loss of the year and would put her in an unfamiliar position, facing elimination.
Pritchett would respond in dominant fashion. In the consolation semifinals she would pin Akasha Davis from West Plains in :40 seconds. Putting her in a position to qualify for the state tournament with one more win. In the consolation finals Pritchett would punch her ticket by pinning Riley Seaboldt of Harrisonville in :50 seconds.
Pritchett enters her second state tournament with high hopes for a great finish to a great season. Pritchett has put in the time by having extra practices throughout the year and is poised for a great performance at the state tournament. This year’s Girl’s state tournament is scheduled for March 9th in Independence, Mo. We wish Claire nothing but the best of luck as she looks to bring home Nevada’s first female state championship.