Driven by a loss that left her just short of the state podium last year, Marley Harris has been on the warpath during her senior season. Not only will she get her chance to avenge last year, she may be going into the state tournament as one of the favorites to win it all.

Harris qualified for the TSSAA girls state wrestling tournament in style Friday, winning a Section 2 championship in the 152-pound weight class. Harris rolled through four rounds at Cleveland High School, dispatching any girl who stood in her way.

Already a 23-match winner as a senior, Harris came into the bracket with confidence she would be punching her ticket to the state tournament. Her path was cleared early by a bye – earned because of her impressive resume this year – and she cemented her status as a favorite in the sectionals by defeating Cleveland senior Shandrea Morgan on her home mat in the quarterfinals.

Harris claimed victory with a 12-1 majority decision, getting a takedown in the first round to start her path to a win. Harris grew her lead to 7-1 after two periods thanks to an escape and takedown in the fourth minute of the match, then sealed victory with a takedown and near fall in the final minute.

Winning got easier for Harris in the semifinals when she pinned York Institute senior Chelsea Turner in the first round, then Harris got one last pin in the finals as she defeated Walker Valley senior Jennelle Phares. 

Harris had built a 7-3 lead going into the final period of the finals and decided not to wait for the buzzer, eventually working the pin with just a minute left in the match.

With her victory, Harris will move on to the state tournament set to be held this upcoming weekend,  Feb. 21-22, at the Williamson County Ag Exposition Arena.

Allison Sweatman almost joined Harris in the state tournament for the second straight year, eventually falling one victory short of advancing in her final run as a senior for WCHS wrestling. Freshman Maya Reagan also got her first chance to compete in the sectionals and won two matches, but was dropped in the consolation bracket matches.