Shown here in a recent match, Southern Wayne’s Mia Glaspie-Leach, right, picked up individual victories against Quad County 3A foes Smithfield-Selma and Wilson Hunt on Thursday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
SMITHFIELD — Injuries, sickness and other issues have plagued Southern Wayne’s wrestling team on the back end of this season.
Wednesday evening was no exception.
But, there was a twist.
Working with a short-handed lineup, the Saints defeated Wilson Hunt 37-36 on criteria and fell 42-36 to Smithfield-Selma. It was the Quad County 3A finale for all three teams.
Southern Wayne finished 4-3 against QCC opposition.
Tied 36-36 after all matches had been recorded in the scorebook, the Saints received the criteria point based on least number of forfeits. Hunt surrendered five forfeits, compared to two for Southern Wayne.
The Warriors, however, owned a 4-1 edge in individual contested bouts.
Mia Glaspie-Leach claimed the Saints’ lone triumph – a pin over Michelle McMasters at 120 pounds.
Teammates Omar Soler Sanchez (106 pounds), Oswaldo Quiroz (132), Amari Thomas (138), Yusef Ceballos (220) and heavyweight Eli Hulet each received a forfeit.
Sanchez, Hulet and Dary Perez Lucas each earned wins against Smithfield-Selma. Glaspie-Leach, Antonio Solice (160) and Narderon Cox (220) each received a forfeit.
The Spartans prevailed in three individual matches and drew five forfeits.
Southern Wayne (9-18 overall) travels to Hollywood for season-ending, non-conference duals against former Eastern Carolina 3A-4A rivals D.H. Conley and South Central.
The QCC tournament is Jan. 21 in Dudley.
