Local wrestlers compete in first ever NYS girls invitational; Lilly Sorenson places 2nd at 185lbs (Photos Included)

A special thank you goes to Visions Federal Credit Union for partnering with us to provide the greater Cortland County community with additional sports coverage

Homer’s Lilly Sorenson placed 2nd in the 185lbs division of the first ever NYS girls wrestling invitational. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).

Local female wrestlers Lilly Sorenson (Homer) and Melodie Sutton (Marathon) competed in this year’s first-ever New York State girls wrestling invitational at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College Friday evening. 

Lilly Sorenson (Homer)

Lilly Sorenson. (Photo from The Cortland Voice's Winter 2022-23 Media Day).

Homer junior Lilly Sorenson placed 2nd overall in the state invitational in the 185-pound weight class.

When asked about how she felt going through her first year wrestling, Sorenson said, “At the beginning of the year, I was adamant that I was not going to wrestle at all. Then I decided to, and I was winning so it helped make it more fun. Then I just kept coming and made it here.”

Sorenson’s first two matches of the tournament were won by pins, and her semi-final match was won by decision. 

After making it all the way to the finals, Sorenson had an unfortunate loss against Canandaigua Academy’s Sophie Pollack, making her place 2nd in the state. 

“I was just lucky to get a front row seat,” said Geoff Sorenson (Lilly Sorenson’s father). “Coach Cummings has done a great job this year working with all of our girls. These girls are brand new wrestlers; and Lilly persevered, worked hard, and learned the new craft of wrestling. So it was exciting seeing all the younger girls, and the community support has been awesome.” 

When asked about Lilly’s progress throughout the season Coach Anna Cummings said “I am so excited and proud of the way she progressed. I know that this wasn’t the easiest thing for her. Every day she showed up, put on the grind, and dominated in every tournament. So I am really proud of her. I am so excited for next year. Hopefully with the girls seeing Lilly out here competing will only help grow the sport, and I know that we are going to have more next year.” 

Coach Anna Cummings. (Photo from The Cortland Voice's Winter 2022-23 Media Day).

This was also Homer’s first year including a girls wrestling program. 

“With our boys wrestling program being so dominant, it was only right that we have a girls wrestling program as well,” said Homer Athletic Director Todd Lisi. “Our youth program right now has a lot of young ladies in it that want to wrestle. So we want to make sure that when the time comes, they have an opportunity to wrestle.”

Homer Athletic Director Todd Lisi. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).

Here are the results from each of Lilly Sorenson’s matches in the tournament: 

  • Round 1: Lilly Sorenson (Homer) over Keira DeVantier (Vestal) - Pin
  • Round 2: Lilly Sorenson (Homer) over Lineth Rivera (Bay Shore) - Pin
  • Semi-Final: Lilly Sorenson (Homer) over Doris Baker (North Tonawanda) - Decision (8-4)
  • Championship Final: Sophie Pollackover (Canandaigua Academy) over Lilly Sorenson (Homer) - Pin

Here are some photos of Lilly Sorenson at yesterday’s state tournament (photos provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice): 

Melodie Sutton (Marathon)

Marathon Junior Melodie Sutton competed in the 126- pound weight class of the first ever New York State girls wrestling invitational Friday night. 

Sutton ended the tournament with two wins and two losses. 

She won the first official round of the tournament, but lost in the second round, sending her to the consolation bracket. 

She then won her first consolation match, but lost in her fourth and final match of the tournament, falling short to a fifth place match. 

Here are the results from each of Melodie Sutton’s matches in the tournament: 

  • Round 1: Melodie Sutton (Marathon) over Cassandra Clarke (Fulton) - Pin
  • Round 2: Alexa Doxey (Newfane) over Melodie Sutton (Marathon) - Pin
  • Consolation Round 2: Melodie Sutton (Marathon) over Jasa Cruz (Coxsackie-Athens) - Pin
  • Consolation Round 3: Cadence Howard (Bellport) over Melodie Sutton (Marathon) - Decision (6-2)

Here are some photos of Melodie Sutton at yesterday’s state tournament (photos provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice):

 

A special thank you goes to Visions Federal Credit Union for partnering with us to provide the greater Cortland County community with additional sports coverage