Florence varsity wrestler Caitlyn Kelley (center) takes the top spot on the championship podium after making history and winning the 120-pound division at the inaugural WIAA Girls State Wrestling Championships on Saturday at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse.

FLORENCE, Wis. — Florence varsity wrestler Caitlyn Kelley brought home a state championship in the 120-pound weight class of the inaugural WIAA Girls State Wrestling Championships on Saturday at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse.

Kelley,18-0 on the season, registered three dominant wins on the day, with only a 6-4 semifinal victory over Tatiana Rios of Jefferson being close. After receiving a first-round bye as the top seed in the 26-girl bracket, the junior pinned Sophia de Moya of Pius XI in 39 seconds and Natalie Klavetter of Hudson at 3:41.

After her victory over Rios, Kelley controlled the championship match from the start before scoring a 10-0 major decision over Hailey Berg of Bonduel for the title.

“I hope to inspire all the little girls to have a dream of wrestling in them,” Kelley said. “I’m happy to see the growth of women’s wrestling and see how far it continues to grow. I’m also happy to put Florence back on the map.”

Florence sophomore Sophia Wagner came just one win shy of winning a state championship at 107 pounds. Wagner, who was seeded fourth, pinned her first four opponents.In the final, Wagner nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback against Koressa Allgeyer of Marinette. Allgeyer held an 11-3 entering the third period.

“Sophia caught Koressa in a cradle,” Florence coach Ed Kelley said. “She was unable to secure a pin, but scored a near fall and narrowed the score to 6-11. As time was running, Sophia attempted to get Koressa in a cradle but lost her grip.”

Allgeyer ended up winning the match 16-6.

Mountaineers go

5-0 at Super Duals

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain Mountaineers ran their record to 13-3 with five dual-match victories at the Manistique Super Duals on Saturday.

Iron Mountain had little trouble in any of its duals, defeating Manistique 40-12, Gwinn 59-6, Negaunee 56-18, Westwood 57-12 and Ishpeming 48-16.

Mountaineer wrestlers who went undefeated on the day included Shayna Hruska Alex Wilson, Shawn McGuire, Tyler Winch, Isaac Manier, Evan Haferkorn, Parker Stroud, Mason Kivi and Fulton Stroud.

“This was a nice tune-up for the Mid Pen Conference tournament that we host Saturday,” IM coach Cory McLaren said.

Jerry DeRoche can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 244, or at jderoche@ironmountaindailynews.com.