Shai and Maroulis win preliminary matches at Pan Am wrestle-offs

Marietta, GA - Before the semifinals of the WCWA Championships, fans at the Cobb County Civic Center were treated to some of the country’s top women’s freestyle wrestlers competing for the opportunity to represent Team USA at the Pan-American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada, this March.

This morning, the preliminary bouts took place with Katherine Shai emerging victorious over Haley Augello at 53 kg and Helen Maroulis defeating Alli Ragan at 57 kg.

Holding a 2-1 lead at the break, Shai was able to crack open the match in the second period, earning three takedowns and a turn to win 10-1. This afternoon, she will face 2019 World champion Jacara Winchester in a best-of three series.

At 57 kg, Olympic champion and two-time World champion, Maroulis was able to grind out a hard-fought match with two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan. Maroulis trailed, 1-0, at the break after failing to score while put on the shot clock. In the second period, Maroulis converted on a single leg takedown to take a 2-1 lead. Ragan would earn a step out point and threatened a takedown in the closing seconds. However, Maroulis was able fend her off and hold on for a, 2-2, criteria victory.

This afternoon, Maroulis will wrestle two-time World Team member Jenna Burket in a best-of-three series.

The third best-of-three series, which did not have any preliminary matches, will feature five-time World team member Whitney Conder vs. 2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt at 50 kg.

The matches will begin at 4:00 pm EST and can be watched live on Flowrestling.

Pan Am Wrestle-off Prelimary Results
53 kg: Katherine Shai dec Haley Augello, 10-1

57 kg: Helen Maroulis dec Alli Ragan, 2-2