BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. — It was a milestone moment for two Lady Raider wrestlers over the weekend.
Senior Brooklyn Windley and sophomore Gabriyel Geiger competed in the Lady Bulldog Invitational at Marlboro County High School across the state line.
Featuring Richmond and the host team, among the other programs to compete were Darlington High School, Lake City High School and Wilson High School.
Both Windley and Geiger finished the invitational with a 1-1 record and earned second place in their respective weight class, marking their best individual efforts of the season.
In the 190-pound bracket, Windley began with a pinfall win over her Wilson opponent. She earned a pinfall victory in her second match against a Lady Bulldog to secure second place.
Geiger followed a similar route in the 115-pound bracket, starting with a loss to her Lake City counterpart. She rallied in the second-place match with a pinfall win against a Marlboro County wrestler.
Note: Name of opponents and match details were not provided by the host school at the time of publication.
The girls’ wrestling program has started to grow roots at Richmond the past couple of seasons since the NCHSAA sanctioned it as an official winter sport.
Richmond’s head coach Andre’ Ellerbe, who has spearheaded the effort to expand the Lady Raiders’ involvement in regular-season matches and invitationals, said Windley and Geiger’s efforts have made a strong foundation.
“I’m so proud of both our female wrestlers,” Ellerbe said. “They have been fearless in committing to a tough sport and that’s gotten our girls’ program off the ground. We are hoping to continue to build it up, along with our boys’ program.
“Gabbi and Brooklyn both listened and wrestled well this weekend,” he added. “They continue to get better each practice and are striving to be one of the best wrestlers in their weight classes.”
Both of Richmond’s teams will return to the mat Wednesday for senior night. The home match will feature contests against Mid-South Conference opponents Hoke County and Overhills high schools starting at 5 p.m.
