Pueblo High School-bound Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith, a nationally-ranked wrestler from Tucson, placed fifth Sunday in the 100-pound competition of the prestigious 16U Fargo (N.D.) National Championships.
By qualifying to compete at Fargo, Valenzuela Smith earned All-American status at only 14 years old.
She ranks No. 24 in the nation at 100 pounds in the latest ratings released by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, USA Wrestling and FloWrestling.
Valenzuela Smith lost a tough semifinal match Sunday to Madison Nieuwenhuis of Vicksburg, Mich., by decision with a 6-6 score in the semifinals.
She then lost by fall in 1:35 in the consolation semifinal to Bianca Eide of Shakopee, Minn.
She bounced back in the fifth-place match, defeating Sandy Breeden of Liberty, Mo., by technical fall (18-8, 3:20).
Her results from Saturday:
Quarterfinals
Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith won by technical fall over Sandy Breeden (Missouri), 12-2 (1:47)
Round of 16
Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith won by technical fall over Ava Peters (Wisconsin), 12-2 (3:11)
Round of 32
Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith won by fall over Ella Wells (Georgia), 4-0 (1:10)
Round of 64
Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith won by fall over Navjot Waraich (California), 10-2 (1:32)
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