The best of the American women wrestling was on mat on Saturday to seal spots in the USA team for the Pan American Olympic Qualifiers scheduled in Canada in March and as expected they did not disappoint. Sarah Hildebrandt, Jacarra Winchester and Helen Maroulis all earned the opportunity to wrestle at the Olympic Qualifier by defeating their respective opponents with ease. Now these wrestlers will attempt to earn spots in the Olympic Games for the United States at their respective weight classes.
Sarah Hildebrandt seals US team spot for Pan American Olympic Qualifiers
At 50 kg Hildebrandt, a 2018 World silver medalist, took the first match in the best-of-three series over five-time World Team member Whitney Conder, 2-0. In the first period, Hildebrandt converted a single leg takedown for two points, and that was the only scoring in the match. In match two, early in the first period, Hildebrandt hit a dresser dump, taking Conder straight to her back for the fall and securing her trip to Ottawa.
World Champion Jacarra Winchester wins in 53kg
In match one at 53 kg, Winchester, a 2019 World champion, lead six-time National Team member Katherine Shai, 1-0, at the break on the strength of a passivity point. In the second period, Winchester scored a takedown and scored two points on an exposure when Shai tried to force a scramble. Winchester closed the match out for the 5-0 victory.
In match two, Winchester scored two step outs in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. No points were put on the board in the second period, and Winchester took the series two matches to none.
Helen Maroulis makes a successful comeback
In her first competition since the 2018 World Championships, Maroulis picked up two falls in two matches over three-time World Team member Jenna Burkert.
In match one, Maroulis earned the pin in the second period, taking Burkert to her back with a single leg takedown. In the second match, Maroulis was trailing 1-0 in the second period when she grabbed an ankle and turned Burkert for the fall from a front headlock.
2020 PAN AMERICAN OLMYPIC QUALIFIER WRESTLE-OFFS
50 kg:
Match 1: Sarah Hildebrandt def Whitney Conder 2-0
Match 2 : Sarah Hildebrandt by FALL beat Whitney Conder :52
53 kg:
Match 1: Jacarra Winchester def. Katherine Shai 5-0
Match 2: Jacarra Winchester def Katherine Shai 2-0
Match 1: Helen Maroulis by FALL beat Jenna Burkert 2:41
Match 2: Helen Maroulis by FALL beat Jenna Burkert 3:41
