Girls State Recap: Krueger Wins First New London Girls State Title; Others Place

LA CROSSE, WI- New London’s Hailie Krueger had to work an extra two minutes before coming away with a State Championship. The Freshman topped Cuba City Freshman Chloe Larue 5-3 in double overtime. Krueger was able to hold on for to prevent a reversal to win the match.

Krueger was the second seed in the tournament while LaRue was the top seed. Krueger earned a bye in the first round and won three matches by pin to get to the finals.

“I really wanted and I knew I could do it and I had teammates here cheering me on,” said Krueger.

In the overtime period, Krueger was given a point after a locked hands call that gave her the momentum to hold on. As a Freshman, Krueger says she is not done yet.

“I can’t wait to come back again next year and hopefully repeat the process,” Krueger said right after the match.

TWO SILVERS FOR BEARS

Bonduel Freshman Hailey Berg and Madalyn Sokolski both finished second in the first ever WIAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament. Berg fell in the finals to top ranked and top seeded Caitlyn Kelley of Florence Niagara 10-0. Before the finals, Berg swept the field with a pin, major decision and decision. Her closest win was in the semifinals where she scored in the matches final seconds to earn a 7-6 win.

Sokolski also had to wrestle the top ranked wrestler in the finals, despite being the top seed in the tournament. Sokolski fell to Kylie Rule of Mineral Point 9-0. Earlier in the day, the Bonduel freshman pinned her way into the finals, all with convincing wins. She finishes her season against girls 11-1 and joined Berg as the schools first ever girls state place winners.

NOVITSKI WRESTLES BACK FOR 5TH

Piper Novitski finished 5th for Shawano after going 4-1 on the day. Her loss in a rematch with Sydney Andrews of Turner put her in the wrestleback round earlier than she was hoping, but she fought back as far as she could go. Earlier in the season, Piper topped Andrews in overtime 4-3, but lost a close one 9-7 on Saturday. Novitski had four pins on the day, including her 5th Place match, setting the tone for girls wrestling in Shawano.