The Ballard women's wrestling team competed at the IGHSAU 2A Regional 6 State Qualifier Meet at South Tama on Friday, finishing 9th as a team with 46 points.  South Tama captured the team title with 243 points, followed by Iowa City Liberty with 224, and Central DeWitt with 171.

Individually, Ballard saw strong performances from several wrestlers.  Evelyn Faubus (120 lbs) led the way, placing 2nd and scoring 21.5 team points.  Faubus received a first-round bye, then won both her quarterfinal and semifinal matches by fall before falling to Pleasant Valley's Abigail Meyrer in the championship match.  She closed out her day with a technical fall over North Polk's Audrey Lucas in the consolation bracket, securing her runner-up finish.  Faubus will advance to the state tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville on Thursday, February 5, starting at 4:30 PM.

Other standout performances included Esther Wilson (130 lbs) and Felicity Sharp (145 lbs), both placing 4th and adding 9 points apiece to the team total.  Charlee Neer (125 lbs) contributed 6.5 points with multiple victories in the consolation rounds.  Several Ballard wrestlers, including Kacey Smith, Emarie Pearson, Kentley Wierson, and Valentina Gutierres, gained valuable experience despite early exits.