Aumua, Moehle qualify for state after strong performances at districts

by Michael Smith

     For the first time in her career, Grain Valley junior Sevreign Aumua will have some company at the Missouri State High School Girls Wrestling Championships.
     She was the lone girls on the team during the 2020-21 season and qualified for state and took third. Last season, the then-sophomore was the only one to qualify and she won a state championship.
     This year, Jayden Moehle will also be headed to Columbia for Grain Valley as she took fourth in the 235-pound weight class at the Class 2 District 4 Tournament Saturday at Platte County High School.
     Aumua won her weight class at 140 to make her third trip to state.
     ““I am really excited for her and for Grain Valley,” Aumua said. “I was always the loner of the girls, so it’s really exciting to get a roommate (for state).”
     “I am really proud of my teammates and how they did this season.”
     Grain Valley finished ninth out of 21 teams as a team, totaling 68 points. Aumua helped that cause by dominating her bracket. She pinned all three of her opponents, including Raytown South’s Zayla Van in 2:33 during the championship match.
     “I think I did really well, she’s really strong,” Aumua said of Vann. “I think I was able to learn my technique. I got a turk in there and I have been practicing that in the wrestling room and it’s paying off.”
     Moehle qualified for state after pinning Sandera Mancera in 2:21 in the bubble match to move on to the third-place bout. In her final match, she was edged out by Liberty’s Alexis Stinson 2-1.
     “It feels pretty good,” Moehle said of qualifying for state. “I did lose my last match but it’s OK. I am learning from my mistakes, and I will get it next time.”
     Ava Kusick (115), Camary Schmalzbach (135) and Adalia Del Real (170) came close to making it to state, but they all fell in their bubble matches. 

Grain Valley junior Sevreign Aumua tries to pin Raytown South's Zayla Vann in the championship match of the 140-pound weight division at the Class 2 District 4 Tournament Saturday at Platte County High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith

Grain Valley freshman Jayden Moehle gets her hand raised by the referee after winning her bubble matcj to qualify for the state tournament. Photo credit: Michael Smith