UPDATE: In an electrifying start to the PIAA D2 District Girls Wrestling Championship on February 20, 2026, Lackawanna Trail’s Cidney Schaffer stunned the competition with a shocking upset, pinning the top seed and advancing to the semifinals. Fans packed The Den at Wilkes-Barre Area High School for a night of high-stakes wrestling, where Schaffer’s victory and Emily Kivler‘s impressive performance stole the spotlight.
Schaffer, entering the tournament as the No. 8 seed in the 100-pound weight class, showcased her skills by pinning the top-ranked Rheagan Wargo in just 3:43. “When I got that first takedown, I knew I was in the match,” Schaffer expressed, reflecting on her powerful performance. She will face defending champion Claire Gyle next in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Nanticoke Area’s Kivler, a sophomore and defending district champion, made quick work of her opponents, needing only one minute across two matches to secure her spot in the semifinals at 112 pounds. “I want to make it to states,” Kivler stated, showcasing her determination after dominating the competition.
The tournament has become a battleground, with Hazleton Area currently leading the team standings with 71 points and eight wrestlers still in contention. Delaware Valley follows closely with 61 points and six wrestlers advancing to the semifinals. Nanticoke Area and Wallenpaupack both sent five wrestlers into the next round, adding to the intense competition.
Schaffer and her teammate Payton Laytos have both demonstrated their prowess on the mat despite a lack of a dedicated girls’ program at Lackawanna Trail. Laytos entered the tournament with a 2-2 record and made a statement by pinning Alexis Richmond in just 1:31. She is set to face Ella Smith from Delaware Valley in the semifinals.
With the stakes high, several key matchups are anticipated as the tournament progresses. In the 170-pound division, both Kate Prior from Delaware Valley and Sierra Ripka from Nanticoke Area are poised for a showdown in the semifinals. The two wrestlers are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the state, respectively, making this a highly anticipated battle.
Additionally, Jacqueline Hernandez from Wilkes-Barre Area celebrated a milestone by capturing her 50th career win, despite facing a tough competition. She secured her victory in a nail-biting match against Ada Chamberlin, reaffirming her status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
With the first day wrapping up, emotional highs and intense rivalries have set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable championship weekend. As fans eagerly await the semifinals, the energy in the air is palpable, with each wrestler vying for a coveted spot at the state level.
Stay tuned for more updates as the District 2 Girls Wrestling Championship unfolds, with critical matches and potential upsets on the horizon.
