Valley Sports ReportHERSHEY — Senior Leah Nason won her only match Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals, while senior Hanna Rathbun bounced back from an opening-round loss and is still alive in the consolation bracket at the PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships here at the Giant Center.
Athens coach Donnie Barrett said Nason and Rathbun are one win away from their goal.
"They just have to carry the momentum from today into tomorrow," he said.
"Leah and Hannah are each a match away from medaling and that’s been the goal all year.
"Hopefully, we can go out and make that happen," added Barrett.
Nason opened the 235-pound bracket with a 6-1 win over Jenna Chapman of Albert Gallatin.
Nason scored a takedown with 47 seconds remaining in the first period to take a 3-0 lead after the opening two minutes.
Nason rode top for the entire second period, but gave up a point for a technical violation to close the gap to 3-1.
Nason sealed her win with a takedown early in the third period, then rode out Chapman for the final 87 seconds.
Nason will now face Dallastown's Noelani Knott (33-4) in the quarterfinals. Knott placed sixth at States last year.
"Leah (Nason) wrestled very well, and very smart to get to the quarters (Friday)," said Barrett.
In the opening round of the 130-pound bracket, Rathbun suffered a 15-0 technical fall loss to Souderton's Emily Sarr, who hit two seven-point moves in the win.
In opening round of the consolation bracket, Rahbun scored a 15-0 technical fall win over Northeastern's Chloe Meador.
Rathbun hit a seven-point move midway through the first period, and led 7-0 after the first two minutes.
Rathbun scored a quick takedown in the second period, then turned Meador for two near-fall points to extend the lead to 12-0 with 1:23 remaining in the second period.
Twenty-two seconds later, Rathbun turned Meador for three more near-fall points to end the match at 2:59.
"Hanna had a great wrestleback match to put herself into a position where if she wins tomorrow morning's match she medals," said Barrett.
Day 2 action for the girls begins at 11:45 a.m.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens senior Leah Nason. IN TOP PHOTO: Athens senior Hannah Rathbun. ... PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.
