School record 7 whippets headed to state

A school record 7 whippets punched their ticket to state this weekend and led Minden to a district runner up finish in the Girls B2 District tournament. The team finished with 146 points, second only to #2 Lakeview. It was a back and forth two days for the team, with many highs and lows and lots of heart shown. In the end, Keira Crane, Xitlali Nunez, Myia Hofaker, Aliena Osterbuhr, Aubree Bules, Victoria Hansen, and Cheyenne Vahl all emerged in the top four of their respective weight classes and can call themselves state qualifiers. 

Keira's path saw her pick up three wins by fall, including over #6 from Ainsworth, to clinch her spot before falling to #2 from Johnson County Central and a second place finish. Keira also tied the school record for wins in a season, bringing her total up to 39.

Xitlali won by fall in the quarterfinals but lost in the semifinals to #10, but won her heartbreak match to get to state and then won her consolation finals match over #6 from Lakeview for the second time in two weeks to finish 3rd.

Myia won her first round match by tech fall before losing in the quarterfinals to #10. She battled back, rattling off four straight wins to finish in third place. It was also a monumental day for Myia, who picked up her 100th career victory to add to her incredible career. 

Aliena followed a similar path as Xitlali, picking up two quick pins before losing her semifinal match to #9. She picked up two more pins in the consolations to finish 3rd.

Aubree's is a story of wrestling with heart. After losing a match last second to #8 Hoefer of Neligh-Oakdale, she won her next three consolation matches to set up a rematch with Hoefer, where she prevailed 8-4. She would end up losing her consolation finals match to finish in fourth place.

Victoria had one of our biggest upsets of the tournament, knocking off the 2 seed to make the semifinal round. She lost there to #10, but handily won her heartbreak match to make it to state as a freshman. Victoria would lose her consolation finals match in overtime to finish 4th. 

Cheyenne picked up falls in her first two matches before losing in the semifinals. She quickly dispatched her opponent in the heartbreak round, earning her trip to Omaha. Cheyenne then lost her consolation finals match to end the day in fourth.

For Xitlali and Myia, this is their second state qualification. Aliena Osterbuhr is no stranger to the state tournament, making her fourth state tournament. But this is the first time qualifying for freshmen Keira and Victoria as well as seniors Aubree and Cheyenne. They will look to carry this momentum into the state tournament February 18th and 19th at the CHI Center in Omaha.