The Long County Lady Blue Tide wrestling team has advanced to the top eight of the Division 2 state tournament after defeating North Oconee preliminary round on Thursday, January 15.

For the second year in a row, the Lady Tide eliminated the Lady Titans as they hosted the Area 8 runners-up in the preliminary round of the state tournament.

The Tide fell behind early after Madison Spurgeon lost in the first match by pinfall in the first 30 seconds of the first round. However, pinfalls by Aleena Clark and Bella Gardner in the 105 and 115 pound classes along with two forfeits gave them a 24-6 lead.

Daisy Ortiz fell in the first round of her match before Aliana Morales got a pinfall to put them back up by 18 points. The Titans won the next two matches by pinfall before Shelby Hoard took a win in the third round as they were up 36-24.

Caileigh Hughes took another pinfall victory to put the Lady Tide up 42-24, which was enough to give the Lady Tide a win by criteria due to the two earlier forfeit victories.

They got one more forfeit victory in the final match as the Lady Tide took the 48-36 win to advance to the top eight of the state tournament. They will head up to Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega for the tournament on Saturday, January 24.