Freeman advances to state semis

COLUMBIA — Poplar Bluff Lady Mules wrestler Zoe Freeman took another step forward on her quest to reach the state wrestling finals.

After a long season of training and nonstop battles, the Mules got the opportunity to showcase their talents on the mat with some of the best wrestlers in the state. Seniors Logan Hite and Jack Ernest and junior Zoe Freeman represented Poplar Bluff as they traveled to Columbia on Friday to compete in the first round of the MSHSAA boys Class 4 and girls Class 2 state wrestling tournaments.

Freeman kicked off the day for the Lady Mules as she was able to pick up two quick pins to land a spot in the state semifinals. Freeman got her first pin over Jessie Nelson of Nixa and shortly followed with another win over Jefferson City’s Kyla Finney, winning the matchup 2-0.

Freeman has already exceeded expectations after placing fifth in last year’s state wrestling meet. She’s been on a tear this season after finishing with a 33-2 record in the regular season. Freeman placed first in the SEMO Conference Tournament for the third time and was named the SEMO Conference Tournament’s Most Outstanding Female Wrestler award for the second consecutive year. Freeman has also inked her name into the Poplar Bluff wrestling history book by becoming the first girl to win 100 matches.

Poplar Bluff head wrestling coach Kelton Thompson said Freeman has trained all season for this moment, and he feels she is prepared to battle.

“I thought she wrestled very well in her first two matches,” Thompson said. “Zoe did what I expected and went out there and got two good pins.

“She’s making some small adjustments every match and wrestling with a lot of confidence. She’s been working very hard, and I’m just excited to see her compete in the semifinals.”

After three straight appearances in the state tournament, Freeman looks to take a bigger step on the podium when she takes on Mariyah Brumley of Lebanon on Saturday to secure a place in the finals.