Strong finish: Gautier's girls win Class III, Region 4 powerlifting title

Gautier's girls powerlifting team claimed the Class III, Region 4 title in impressive fashion over the weekend.

The Lady Gators earned 45 points for first, distancing themselves from D'Iberville (25), St. Martin (25), Harrison Central (24), Ocean Springs (23), Pascagouls (16), Gulfport (13), Biloxi (8), George County (1), West Harrison (0) and Stone (0).

The victory marked Gautier's fourth straight region title. The increased field of competition added to the accomplishment as 101 lifters from 11 teams competed.

"It wasn't just another day at the office," Gautier coach Bailey Cuevas said. "We usually have four or five teams and 30-40 lifters. When you get 101 lifters, it was really good for the girls. They were all excited."

The title is the latest accomplishment for a Gautier team that has a third place and two runner-up titles at South State.

Cuevas said he knew GHS was going to lock up the title when Mariah Pattin squatted 300 pounds in the 148-pound weight class. He also gave Patin, the team's captain, a bulk of the credit for their success.

"She's the leader. Anything we need to get done, she's pretty much the voice of the team," he said of Patin, who ended up winning her weight class. "She's very coachable, self-motivated and mentally tough. That's why she's the captain."

The following lifters placed first in their respective weight classes: St. Martin's Jade Scott (97-pound weight class), D'Iberville's Yazmyne Valencia (105), Gautier's A'miricol Stallworth (114), D'Iberville's Brooke Trochesset (123), Gautier's Amber Means (132), Gautier's Mariah Patin (148), Ocean Springs Shayla Fish (805), Harrison Central's Trinity McKenzie (181), Pascagoula's Acacia Golson (198), Harrison Central's Erica Spencer (220) and Harrison Central's Emma Farmer (220-plus).

Gautier will host the Class III South State girls meet at 3 p.m. March 4 at the Singing River Academy gym. The state meet is scheduled for April 16 in Jackson.

This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Strong finish: Gautier's girls win Class III, Region 4 powerlifting title ."