LAS VEGAS – Katie Lange was forced to forfeit her 68kg championship match at the U.S. Open women’s freestyle finals at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa Friday.
The unseeded Lange, representing the Twin Cities Regional Training Center, was facing third-seeded Sienna Ramirez of the Southern Oregon Regional Training Center in the finals but unfortunately Lange had to forfeit via injury only 16 seconds into the match. There was no score.
The Martin County West High School graduate had won two matches Thursday to earn her spot in the finals.
After a bye, she won 9-4 over top-seeded Solin Piearcy of the Meno Wrestling Club 9-4 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Lange was a 12-8 winner over Dalia Garibay of the Colorado Mesa Wrestling Club.
Also, Lange has earned the opportunity to compete in the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Coralville, Iowa May 21-22.
The TRCTC squad placed second in the Division ll (small team) standings.