By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
As a returning state champion, Rossville sophomore Kendra Hurla admitted that she felt some pressure heading into and during Thursday's Class 4A-1A 120-pound state championship match.
But like she has throughout her still-young high school career, the Bulldawg star delievered, claiming her second straight state championship and capping an undefeated season with a 3-0 decision over Pratt's Jadyn Thompson at the Tony's Pizza Events Center.
Rossville sophomore Kendra Hurla has her hand raised as a two-time Class 4A-1A state champion after a 3-0 win over Pratt's Jadyn Thompson Thursday at Salina. [Submitted]
"I definitely felt the pressure, especially at certain points,” Hurla said. “But you can’t walk out onto a mat unless you’re head’s in the right spot, otherwise you aren’t winning that match.
"My brother (Layne), he helps a lot. He told me to walk out on that mat ready to kick someone's butt and I did."
Rossville sophomore Kendra Hurla (left) battles Pratt's Jadyn Thompson Thursday at Salina in the 120-pound 4A-1A state championship match. Hurla won her second straight title with a 3-0 decision. [Submitted]
Hurla, who capped a 39-0 season, got one of her toughest matches of the season from Thompson in a battle between the No. 1 and 2-ranked wrestlers in 4A-1A, but welcomed that challenge.
"I feel good about that match because I know I worked hard for that one,'' Hurla sad. "It came because I gave it my all and I deserved that match. Same with last year, too. It makes it feel so much better."
Thompson, a junior, lost for just the second time in 39 matches on the season.
Hurla reached the finals with three straight pins, winning in 1:27, 1:58 and 1:47.
Hurla's Rossville teammates, sophomore Keera Lacock (126) and junior Reagan Wonnell (143), both won matches in the state tournament but fell short of making it to the place matches.
Silver Lake freshman Ellen Doty (115) posted a pair of state wins while freshman Karley Holmes (109) and sophomore Hailey Horton (155) also won state matches, but none of the Eagles advanced to the place matches.
