By Henry Smith and Sebastian Beltran – Advocate Editors

The Jonathan Law girls wrestling team recently competed at the fourth annual Queen of the Mat Tournament at Foran High School.

The team placed 7th overall at the tournament and had three place winners. 

“The girls did a great job especially for the amount of experience they currently have,” Assistant Coach Alex Kappel said.

Law entered seven girls into the tournament that featured over 280 girls from across the state. The tournament means a lot to girl wrestlers throughout Connecticut.

“Competing in Queen of the Mat has been very important to me for the past four years,” Senior Captain Mackenzie Nichols said. “My first year of wrestling was when they began doing Queen of the Mat and it was very meaningful to participate in an opportunity that was growing this sport. I hope moving forward that Queen of the Mat continues to be the biggest girls tournament in Connecticut.

Nichols finished third in her weight class at the event. Freshman Mia Grandmaison took fourth place in her weight class in her Queen of the Mat debut.

The girls performed and placed well even without filling a full lineup.

“They battled through fatigue and worked hard throughout the long day,” Kappel said. “These types of tournaments can be a mental grind, but they did a great job handling it.“

Junior Selena Batres won her weight class at this year’s Queen of the Mat – her second straight Queen of the Mat title.

“It’s an honor,” Batres said. “When I step on the mat, I’m not just wrestling for myself. I’m wrestling for my team and everyone who supports us.”

Queen of the Mat has been meaningful for the past four years for the Lawmen and they hope it continues.

“The Queen of the Mat is special because it brings together the best competition,” junior Nicoletta Pacifico said. “You’re not just wrestling you’re proving yourself against top talent.”