Girls powerlifting

Marietta High School’s Lady Indians powerlifting team won the Southern Regional Small School Championship held in Durant on March 1, sending Amanda Flores, Yesenia Salazar, Melanie Ortiz, and Crystal Castaneda to the state meet, held March 7 in Dickson.

At the state meet, the team tied for third place, and all four competitors who qualified for state finished in the top 10, with two finishing in the top five.

Amanda Flores finished in third place, with teammate Crystal Castaneda close behind in fourth, while Melanie Ortiz took sixth place and Yesenia Salazar was ninth.

“These young ladies have created a huge buzz in the school,” said Coach Alex Doby. “We had 14 girls competing this season and that number will likely double for next year. I believe that the Marietta Strong-Girls will be the next State Champion program for Marietta Schools.”