Pueblo freshman wrestler Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith third in U15 USA Pan American Team Trials

Pueblo High School freshman Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith placed third in the 46 kg competition at the U15 USA Wrestling Pan American Team Trials at the Air Force Academy at Colorado this weekend.

Valenzuela Smith went 3-1 in her matches, including wins by fall and technical fall in the consolation bracket.

She was challenging to be the U.S. representative at 46 kg at Panama City, Panama, from Nov 23-26. Only the champion of each weight class qualifies.

Smith’s results this weekend:

• Quarterfinals: Valenzuela Smith defeated Ryleigh Sturgill (Maryville, Tenn.) by technical fall (10-0)
• Semifinals: Madison Nieuwenhuis (Vicksburg, Mich.) by decision (4-2) over Valenzuela Smith
• Consolation semifinals: Valenzuela Smith defeated Lolo Gonzales (Lakewood, Colo.) by fall (1:33).
• Consolation final: Valenzuela Smith defeated Sturgill by technical fall (10-0)