Lady Mustangs sending five lifters to state

The Nixon-Smiley Lady Mustangs placed third out of 17 schools at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) Class 3A Division 2 Regional Championships at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Five lifters have qualified for the state championships and nine received medals during the competition as the team — affectionately known as the “Sisters of Steel” — earned its fifth plaque of the season. Nixon-Smiley earned three seconds, a third, two fourths and three fifths for a total of 25 points, just two behind second-place Natalia.

Ruby Mendez finished second in the 114 class with a total of 665 pounds combined lifted, while Zulema Rodriguez took runner-up in the 148 class with a total of 870 pounds combined — the most of anyone on the squad. Frida Casas finished second in the 165 class with a total of 780 combined pounds.

Meanwhile, Kaylie Morin finished third in the 123 class with a total of 740 pounds and was named a qualifier for state from her prior showings, as was Gracie Gomez, who finished fourth in the 105 class with a total of 625 pounds combined.

Other Lady Mustangs who medaled at the meet include:

• Gaby Limon, fourth, 132 class, 760 pounds.

• Olivia Jackson, fifth, 97 class, 485 pounds.

• Kaelynn Mendiola, fifth, 181 class, 780 pounds.

• Jenna Bustos, fifth, 242 class, 595 pounds.

The Lady Mustangs will compete at the state meet in Edinburg on Thursday, March 13.