16U women's freestyle update through 4 rounds

Osakwe's triumph helps Team Mass end on a high note

By AJ Traub

Kate Osakwe made quick work of her second opponent at Fargo

Kate Osakwe waited all day for her first matchup at the Fargodome, and couldn't come away with the win.

She didn't let it faze her.

The 207-pounder from Boston wrapped herself around Ohio’s Hailey Oloshove-Burle to record a pin in half a minute.

“First match wasn’t the best, but I went out trying to have faith in myself, and I know my coaches have faith in me,” she said. “Making sure that I make them proud and make the people around me proud is really important to me.

“I’m just happy that I got this experience and I know a bunch of girls want to do the same thing.”

Also contributing wins for Team Massachusetts were Adriana DeGroat (2 at 125 pounds), Keira Lynch (2 at 135) Grace Kenna (1 at 120), and Stella Christopher (1 at 155).

Osakwe was the only Bay Stater to reach the second day among the 16U participants, but came up with the clutch win to make sure the state has representation on Sunday.

Her coaches told her that her positioning was great after her round of 16 loss, and that her throw was there if she had the confidence. That’s exactly what she did just minutes later.

“I wrestled for two years and I know being able to make those quick changes could make you lose or win a match. Making sure I’m adjusting properly is my goal.

“I have a couple more matches ahead of me, but I know that if I have faith in myself I can definitely win.”

Keira Lynch earned her second win of the day in 1:02 by fall

Adriana DeGroat earned a pair of wins before her second loss came down to criteria