FARMINGTON – When someone suggested that Allison Pelletier would be better off giving up wrestling and competing in a different sport, she scoffed at the idea.

Pelletier’s dedication and persistence paid off. The Poland athlete went on to win the individual championship in the 122-pound class at the first-ever Maine High School Girls’ Wrestling Invitational at Mt. Blue High School. Over 50 girls representing 30 schools competed in the event.

“I’m ecstatic,” Arvid Cullenberg said. “When I organized this, I felt 25 would be a good number, but it grew to over 50 competitors from Caribou to York. The level of competition is very good.”

Mt. Ararat rallied to win the team crown with 47 points and was led by champions Kelly Golex and Kat McDonald at 110 and 125, respectively. York finished second at 45.5 followed by Oxford Hills at 38.5, Caribou 36 and Hyde 31.5.

Pelletier, who has asthma, went directly on the offensive and cruised to a 10-1 major decision against Danielle McDonald of Caribou in the finals. The senior Knight executed a fireman’s carry into a near fall in the second period to take control.

“This is the sport I like,” Pelletier said. “Some people told me that I should try field hockey, but that was 10 years ago. Winning today was a nice way to end my career.”

Caitlynn Sampson (145) of Oxford Hills earned a title by pinning Danielle Landry of Caribou with a power-half nelson in the first period. But Viking teammate Megan Wormwood lost a heartbreaker in overtime to Cheyenne Augustine of Medomak Valley.

Wormwood had attempted a head and arm, but Augustine kept her hips elevated and rolled through it.

“I would like to win today, but second isn’t bad,” said Wormwood, who had decisioned Melanie McInnis of Monmouth 4-2 in a quarterfinal match. “It just felt good to win (two) matches because it has been awhile. I wrestled (varsity) this season and hadn’t faced any other girls.”

Other champions included Reaha Goyetche (97) of York, with two pins in less than one minute; Kayleigh Longley (105) of Noble and Deering sophomore Tierra Williams (132).

“I really didn’t know what to expect today,” Williams said. “I wasn’t taking anything for granted, so I my strategy was to go out there and put (three opponents) on their backs.”

Stephanie Hayslyp of Lisbon stuck Ariel Hunter of Mt. Blue for third place at 105.

“I hope this turns in to some thing,” Noble coach Kip DeVoll said. “The MPA needs to take notice because the girls work just as hard as the boys all year, but then have nothing to show for it. By holding this, they are able to wrestle with their peers and be competitive.”