By Mike Clark
Sofia Guerrero remembers when she was an incoming wrestler at Lane struggling to find a workout partner.
“My freshman year, there (were) probably two girls who really stuck with it and who I really got to practice with,” Guerrero said. “So seeing how far it’s come is just so amazing. I’m so grateful that I get to be here and be a part of it. And to be one of the stepping stools to take it even further.”
Mirroring a statewide trend, girls wrestling has exploded in popularity in the Public League. The first official city tournament was held in 2023 in conjunction with the boys tourney. The first separate girls event was held in 2024, and this year marked the launch of the girls dual-team series.
Guerrero, a senior 100-pounder, and the Champions won the program’s first Public League title, beating host Curie 54-30 in the final on Jan. 18.
Lane 155-pounder Layla Moreland also has marveled at girls wrestling’s increasing visibility.
“Yeah, it’s amazing,” the sophomore said. “We’ve got pages posting about us on Instagram, spreading the hype around the sport. Teams have full lineups, there’s so many girls. Being able to have a dual-team city (tournament), just like the boys is an incredible opportunity.
“I mean, it’s just more wrestling, more getting better, more competing.”
Junior 140-pounder Zabby Badrun feels the same way.
“It’s great to see a bunch of girls that are interested and love the program and the sport as much as I do,” she said. “It’s really such a joy …”
Like many girls programs, Lane initially shared its head coach with the boys team. But as the roster has grown, it’s made more sense for the Champions to have their own leader. Liam Cummins has formally taken the reins from Matt Yan, who remains as Lane’s boys coach.
“Mr. Yan brought me on as an assistant after I graduated high school,” Cummins said. “I’ve been coaching the girls every season. But the last two years, I’ve taken on the administrative role and (been) trying to help the program become more independent. Our program is strong because we can work together.”
Lane won nine bouts against Curie in a match that began at 120 pounds, getting pins from Oliwia Wodjak at 125, Imyjah Jackson at 130, Badru at 140, Moreland at 155 and Akyah Thomas at 190. Lauren Guerrero (115), Allison Gutierrez (135), Kenaiece Barrett (170) and Sofia Guerrero (100) received forfeits.
Curie had falls from AD Garcia at 120 and Zoe Gonzalez at 145. Picking up forfeits for the Condors were Darlene Escobar (110), Carina Cirillo (235) and Alia Plascencia Ortiz (105).
Lane advanced to the final by beating Kelly 42-30 and Rickover 66-18, while Curie advanced with wins over Hancock (66-18) and Speer (52-30). Rickover edged Speer 43-43 for third on a tiebreaker.
Photos by Zoe Davis/OSA
