Bernard wins at U.S. Nationals

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Ali Bernard, wrestling for the New Ulm Rolling Thunder Club, won the gold medal in the 147.5 weight class Saturday night at the U.S. Senior Nationals in Las Vegas.

On her way to the title, Bernard had a technical fall and two pins. She is the first New Ulm athlete to compete at the Senior level at U.S. Nationals. This is the open division that is comprised mostly of college aged athletes and older. Bernard turned 18 April 11, and will graduate from New Ulm High School in June.

This win qualifies Bernard for the final Olympic Trials (May 21-23) in Indianapolis, Ind. Because there is no Olympic weight of 147.5, Bernard will compete at 158 pounds as she attempts to make the United States Olympic Team which competes in Greece in September. Rolling Thunder Cadet and Junior coach Shane Gulden coached Ali in Las Vegas. She was also accompanied by her family.

Below results of each round, with a play by play of the final match. These results and comments were taken from TheMat.com.

Women's Freestyle -

67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Quarterfinals results

No. 1 Ali Bernard, New Ulm (Rolling Thunder) tech. fall Jaimie Alvasteffer, Williamsburg, Ky. (Cumberland College 1, 13- 1, 5: 1 -1

No. 4 Malissa Sherwood, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Stars, and Stripes) dec. Cindy Herceg, Los Angeles, Calif (Santa Monica), 8-1

No. 3 Kelly Branham, Apache Junction, Ariz. (Missouri Valley) pin Andrea Hale, Susanville, Calif. (Lassen), 1:42

No. 2 Heather Martin, Wellington, Ohio (All-American WC), tech. fall over Sheri Hilliard, Devils Lake, N.D. (Cumberland College), 10-0, 2:03

Semifinal Results

Bernard pin Sherwood, 2:26

Martin pin Branham, 1:58

Final Results and Play by Play

Ali Bernard pin Heather Martin, 4:00

1st period

Martin, one-point spin behind takedown, 2:50 left, 1-0 Martin

Martin two-point gutwrench, 2:36 left, 3-0 Martin

Bernard three-point throw, 2:20 left, 3-3 tie

Bernard, additional backpoint, 4-3 Bernard

Bernard, two- point tilt, 6-3 Bernard

Martin, three point takedown, 0:58 left, 6-6 fie

Martin, two-point tilt, 0:28 left, 8-6 Martin

Bernard, one-point reversal, 0:25 left, 8-7 Martin

2nd period

Bernard, one-point takedown, 2:35 left, 8-8 tie

Bernard, two-point exposure, 2:04 left, 10-8 Bernard

Bernard, pin, 2:00 left