Samantha Montano– Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- The LRHS junior varsity (JV) girls weightlifting team ended their season with a bang Tuesday at Venice High School.

The meet was designed specifically for JV girls to have an opportunity to compete one last time. Four different schools participated in this event, including Charlotte High School, Riverview High School, and Venice High School.

Only traditional weightlifting (clean and jerk + bench) was competed in the meet, yet the Olympic (Clean & jerk+ snatch) girls on the team still did benched with the experience they had.

“Young Warrior was a great post-season meet! The event was very welcoming, and it allowed us to compete and achieve new maxes one last time,” said junior Akilah Challa.

Eleven Mustangs placed in the top five, eight of them in first or second place.

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Freshman Olivia VanKirk won first place in the 139-weight class.

VanKirk said, “It was a great season. I made new friends and made so much progress. I am proud of my accomplishments on my first year on the team and I certainly plan to continue lifting next season.”

Girls weightlifting coach Elijah Weaver said, “Our girls did an amazing job. I am so proud of this team and love each and every one of them.”