Miyamura wrestler capture fourth state crown

Posted by Quentin Jodie | Feb 29, 2024 | Wrestling |

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Miyamura’s Lorianna Piestewa set a new standard for the Patriot girls wrestling program.

Piestewa captured her fourth consecutive state title on Saturday night after pinning Atrisco Heritage Academy wrestler Sophia Rimbert in the first period in the 114-pound weight class.

“This has definitely been one of my goals,” Piestewa said. “As soon as I lost my eighth-grade year, I told myself that I never want to lose another state championship again.”

In that inaugural girls wrestling season, the Miyamura wrestler came up short to Onate’s Angelita Altamirano in the state championship match when she wrestled at 100 pounds.

Since that loss, Piestewa has been on a rampage. She ended her career with a record of 152-3, becoming New Mexico’s second female to win four state titles. Aztec great Makayla Munoz first accomplished that feat last season.

“It’s bittersweet, but I’m excited to hit that next level of competition,” Piestewa said. “I’m always going to love my high school friends, I’m always going to love my high school coaches, but there’s a world out there that I have to experience.”

Next fall, Piestewa’s headed to Colorado Mesa University on a wrestling scholarship. She signed the first day of signing period in early November.

“I’m very confident with my college choice,” Piestewa said. “Right now, we’re ranked No. 5 nationally as a team. My training partners are going to be incoming freshmen, too. We’re all very excited to join.”

In Saturday’s championship bout, Rimbert came out with resistance before Piestewa put her on her back and scored a pin.

“She came out pretty hard and, you know, I just had to keep my composure,” the Miyamura grappler said. “I was able to regain my hips and I did what I wanted to do, and I just stuck her.”