EPHRATA — The Tiger girls wrestling team enters the 2025-26 season with state-title hopes and depth to back it up. But in the highly talented Central Washington Athletic Conference, success will be earned.

Ephrata checks in at No. 4 in the Washington Wrestling Network's preseason Class 2A rankings, behind CWAC rivals Toppenish and Othello, who finished first and second, respectively, at last year's state tournament. 

"A few state champs, many placers from the CWAC," Ephrata girls wrestling head coach Raul Tejeda said. "Competition will be tough. It'll make for a competitive season."

The Tigers return eight of nine state qualifiers from last season's Mat Classic XXXVI girls 2A tournament, where Ephrata placed seventh with 119 points out of 56 squads.

Defending state champion and first-team all-CWAC senior Adylene Sanchez (155 pounds), who went 3-0 at the Mat Classic, leads the charge. Sanchez enters the season ranked first in the state in her weight class and is working toward becoming Ephrata's first two-time girls state champion.

"Keep improving every day, even if it's something small, and being comfortable with being uncomfortable," said Tejeda, now in his fourth season leading the program. "We have a lot of returning state vets this year and have a lot of new faces that will do great things."

Senior Carolina Monico (235) returns after a fourth-place finish at state and is ranked third in her weight class. Ranked fourth at 145 is fellow senior Rayn Castillo, who placed sixth in the 2025 Mat Classic. Both earned second-team all-CWAC honors last season.

Other returning state qualifiers include seniors Alexandra Estrada Rangel (135), Kashlynn Cobb (140) and Tessa Hausken (190), junior Jasmine Hernandez (105) and sophomore Gabbie Bafus (170). Estrada Rangel placed sixth at state, was a district champion, and named to first-team all-CWAC last season. Hausken was a second-team all-CWAC pick.

EHS girls list 36 wrestlers on the 2025-26 roster, and thanks to thriving Ephrata Middle School and youth wrestling programs, features a promising freshman class.

"The freshman class can do something special if they stick to it and put in the work," Tejeda said.

The coaching staff includes assistants Jeff Spencer and Juan Castillo, along with volunteer Mya Spencer (Ephrata's first girls wrestling state champion and 2025 EHS Athletic Hall of Fame nominee).

Beyond wins and losses, Tejeda has his sights set on building something lasting. "We're trying to build a program in which we can grow and succeed on and off the mat," he said.

The Lady Tigers open the season tonight (Thursday, Dec. 4) at Grandview High School, facing Prosser and the host Greyhounds. Mat action begins at 6:30 p.m. Find a full season schedule here.