Naperville Central’s girls wrestling team ended their Senior Night with a victory over Waubonsie on Jan. 16. Central sophomore Arianna Rico won her match, while senior Brenna Berkowitz was defeated. 

Rob Porter, head girls wrestling coach, has seen growth in both Rico and Berkowitz throughout the season. Both wrestlers have improved significantly throughout the season.

“[Rico] had a very good, solid match,” Porter said. “She’s showing a lot of improvement.”

The two-match meet was unique for the team. Even though Central boasts five senior girl wrestlers on its roster — Berkowitz, Bianca Arredondo, Annika Hull, Bella Lopez and Ellen Purl — only one competed on Jan. 16.

“[The seniors] mean a lot to me personally, and I’ve just been so proud of them and so honored to coach them,” Porter said. 

In the first match, Rico walked away with a win but still saw areas for improvement.

“She got me into a couple [of] good positions where I could have taken a shot, which would have helped me,” Rico said.

Berkowitz was the opening match to the seniors under the lights. She ended the match with a few takedowns, but ended up getting pinned and losing her match. 

“Even though I lost, I was able to try the stuff that I’ve been working on, and I can use what I learned tonight to help me in the tournament tomorrow,” Berkowitz said.

The IHSA Regional will be held at Hinsdale South on Jan. 31.

“Every match is just going to get me better,” Berkowitz said. “This is my last and only season, so I’m just trying to take advantage of it.”

Rico hopes to take her prior experience in the state series and grow towards greater success.

“I really would love to get out of regionals,” Rico said. “I didn’t get out of regionals last year, but now I know what I need to work on.”