Charleston High School senior Maddie Bryant became the first female wrestler in school history to qualify for the IHSA state tournament. Bryant placed third at the Peoria Richwoods Sectional in what was the first all-female wrestler state series.

Bryant defeated Memphis Adkison-Berry of Canton in the quarterfinal but was defeated in the semifinal by Lawrenceville’s Shaina Hyre. In the consolation bracket, Bryant defeated Gigi Linnhorst of Edwardsville to give herself a shot to make it to state. In the third-place match, Bryant defeated Baya Perez of the host school Peoria Richwoods to advance.

Mackensie Williams, Charleston’s other female competitor, lost both matches.

MATCH RESULTS

Quarterfinal

Maddie Bryant def Memphis Adkison-Berry (Canton) by fall 1:34

Semifinal

Shaina Hyre (Lawrenceville) def Maddie Bryant by fall 3:05

Consolation semifinals

Maddie Bryant def Gigi Linnhorst (Edwardsville) fall 1:21

3rd place match

Maddie Bryant def Baya Perez (Richwoods Peoria) fall 1:43

Quarterfinal

Jaida Johnson (Richwoods) def Mackensie Williams – Fall 3:38

Quarterfinal Wrestle backs

Autumne Williams (Limestone) def Mackensie Willams 7-3 to eliminate Mackensie from the Sectional