Slaughter, Rohrbacher finish runner-up, third at state wrestling

HUNTLEY  – The IHSA Girls State Wrestling Tournament has only been in existence for three years, and Huntley has already left its mark.

Two female wrestlers, sophomores Janiah Slaughter and Aubrie Rohrbacher, both brought home medals after the state meet Feb. 24 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Slaughter reached the state championship bout at 105 pounds and finished second. Rohrbacher ended in third place at 130 pounds. Also, the Red Raiders placed sixth in team standings with 39 points.

“It was great,” Huntley girls wrestling coach Gannon Kosowski said. “We were 8-2 at state matches.”

The duo was welcomed home with Huntley Fire Protection District and Huntley Police Department vehicles.

“It was a good step in the right direction, and showed what I need to do next season,” Slaughter, who placed third at state in 100 pounds last year, said.

Slaughter, 29-3 final record, won her first round by two points, then won two victories by decision before a close 8-2 loss in the final to Angelica Gochis of Maple Park Kaneland.

“I was a little more confident and I was aggressive to get my shots in,” Slaughter said of her wins.

“She had not wrestled Gochis before but we knew it was going to be a tough match,” Kosowski said. “Slaughter handled the spotlight and pressure very well as she seemed calm and ready to go. I don’t think there was a turning point in the match, Slaughter just missed a few opportunities to attack and get to her offense.”

Slaughter had gained victories over Zoe Dempsey of Lincoln Way West, in a 4-2 decision in the first round and defeated Zaryia Mouzon, Lake Villa Lakes, by major decision, 22-12, in the quarterfinals. Slaughter next triumphed against Zoee Sadler of Anna-Jonesboro, in a 7-2 decision in the semifinal to advance to the championship.

“She’s very excited,” Kosowski said after the semifinal round. “All year long, Slaughter has been talking about making it to the finals. She has been wrestling well from neutral, getting a lot of take-downs.”

Rohrbacher had the challenge of a six-match tournament through the consolation rounds to end 5-1 for the tourney and in third place. She earned the third place win with a major decision 12-0 verdict over Addison Caitleux of Minnoka, who had defeated her in the quarterfinal.

“Rohrbacher watched film of her state matches about six times and in doing so, rediscovered her offense. She came back with a lot of confidence,” Kosowski said.

Rohrbacher, who ended the season with a 45-5 record, had strong efforts in the consolation rounds, as she beat Viola Pianetto of Prospect, by fall in the third consolation round. Then she beat Sammie Greene of Seneca in a major decision 10-0 and she advanced to the third place bout.

Rohrbacher, beat her first round opponent, Quincy Onyiaorah of Thornton Fractional South, by a 3-0 decision. Rohrbacher then lost to Cailteux of Minooka, by a 4-3 decision in the quarterfinal. Rohrbacher bounced back with a win by fall over Karen Canchola of Morton in 4:37 in the consolation round.

“Both girls were a little nervous in the first round,” Kosowski said. Slaughter had a close match, then has been wrestling lights out. Rohrbacher lost a close one in the quarters we felt she should have won, but she brushed it off and did well the next round.”