ORANGE — The second annual Senators’ All Girls Wrestling Round Robin tournament commenced on Monday, with Mahar placing second overall.
Carolyn Gilmore did not lose a match during the competition and placed first in the mid-upper weight class for Mahar. It is the second year in a row that Gilmore won her weight class.
“It’s amazing, it’s a success for women everywhere,” Gilmore said of the tournament. “It’s not a charity. It’s something that women wrestlers have earned. We are making a place for ourselves in wrestling that wasn’t there before.”
There was improvement across every weight class, according to Mahar coach John Speek.
“Everyone is in a agreement that the level of wrestling is a lot higher this year than it was last year,” Speek said. “Getting those weight classes full of girls with talent so that every match is a quality match.”
There were 15 schools scheduled to compete, but the number dwindled down to 10 after the weekend snowstorm.
“Last year we had about 20 girls,” Speek said. “This year we had 42 that were signed up. A lot of matches this year went to the full six minutes. That creates excitement and makes people want to come back.”
Gilmore went 4-0 on the day and enjoyed a rare luxury at the tournament.
“I was nervous because I was able to perform in front of a home audience,” Gilmore said. “But I was excited because I usually don’t get that.”
When she started wrestling five years ago she was the only member of the team.
“I’ve been here through the growth,” Gilmore said. “To be here now feels good. It wasn’t always like this.”
Chicopee High School was first with 68 points. Mahar finished with 58.5 points.
Ava Chiodo and Anya Roberts had a pair of wins each for the Senators.
