The Jackson Memorial girls wrestling team secured their fourth consecutive tournament victory at the Girls Shore Conference Wrestling Tournament, defeating all challengers with a commanding performance. Coach Joe Lemke hailed the team's success, attributing it to their hard work, dedication, and strong bond. The team celebrated four individual champions: Madison Rucci (100 pounds), Ava Bonilla (107 pounds), Briana Dugo (126 pounds), and Jada Figueroa (120 pounds). Several lower-seeded wrestlers also achieved impressive results, highlighting the depth and talent within the Jackson Memorial program.
Jackson Memorial girls wrestling team celebrated a dominant victory at the Girls Shore Conference Wrestling Tournament held at Jackson Liberty High School on February 1, 2025. The Jags secured their fourth consecutive tournament win, amassing 209 points to leave second-place finisher Howell trailing with 125 points. This impressive streak follows previous victories in the Queen of the East, East Brunswick’s Lady Bear Invitational, and the Lady Minuteman in Elizabeth.
Coach Joe Lemke expressed his pride in the team, stating, “This is a great team. This is a great tournament. A lot of great teams are here. This is where we need to be. Staying healthy is number one. Competing at a high level is number two. I think we did a good job today. I think we left a little bit out there but, honestly, all in all, as a team effort, this is right where I thought we were going to be.” The victory solidifies Jackson Memorial’s position as the reigning champions of the Shore Conference and reinforces their ranking as the No. 1 team in the state according to NJ.com’s Top 10. Jada Figueroa, the 120-pound champion, attributes the team’s success to their strong bond and dedicated training. Figueroa, who clinched her title through a medical forfeit in the final, said, “Our coach puts us through some really good training. He pushes us to do our best. It’s really like a team. We all come together and we’re like a family and we support each other. I think that’s what pushes us to do better. Our love for each other is what makes us win.” The Jackson Memorial girls wrestling team showcased their talent with four individual champions. Madison Rucci emerged victorious in the 100-pound weight class, displaying resilience in her final match against Marlboro’s Nola Allen. After initially trailing, Rucci rallied back with two reversals to secure a 7-3 victory. Ava Bonilla claimed the 107-pound title, demonstrating her dominance with a pin in the third period against Long Branch’s Danielle Silva DeJesus, earning her the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler Award. Briana Dugo, a two-time state placer, lived up to her reputation by pinning Ocean Township’s top-seeded Sophie Sharp in just 49 seconds to win the 126-pound weight class. Dugo emphasized the importance of her aggressive style, stating, “Seeding never meant anything. I know once I get somebody off their feet, there’s no coming back. My shots are pretty aggressive. I can take really tall girls down and it’s helped me progress as a wrestler from taking a lot of throws as a freshman.” The tournament also featured notable performances from lower-seeded wrestlers. Manchester Township’s Nariah Miles reached the finals at 132 pounds but fell short against Manalapan’s Sophie Babineau. Central Regional’s Sophia VanSplinter, seeded fifth at 138 pounds, defied the odds with a thrilling run to the championship, pinning ElleCe McGinley of Jackson Memorial in the final. Her journey included a quarterfinal pin and a victory over top-seeded Marily Dominguez of Lakewood in the semifinal, avenging a previous technical fall loss.
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