G1A-5 Preview: Orlando Freedom loads up to make chase at third team title

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Paola Ramirez, 36-3, S2, RC, DC; Hananeel Gregoire, 38-7, S3, RC, DC; Gabriela Kerber, 43-6, S3, RC, DC; Genesis Escorcia, 32-12, SQ, R3, DC; Yhoalibeth Ruiz; Maya Alvarado, Jr., 18-3, SQ, R2, DC.

Notable returning wrestlers: Mekialla Mauvais, Sr., 33-3, S3, RC, DC; Ceajah Brown, Sr., 36-10, S5, R4, D2; Aimar Donastorg, Jr., 31-12, S6, R2, DC; Josie Reeves, Sr., 34-14, S8, R3, DC; Kamila Alvis-Rosa, Jr., 36-15, S8, R3, DC; Isabela Barrera, Sr., 30-15, SQ, R2, DC; Eduarda Franklin Soares, Sr., 34-7, RQ-BR, DC; Sofia Chavez, So., 18-20, RQ, D2; Gabby Gilman, Jr., 22-16, RQ, D3; Sarah Lucena, Jr.

New wrestlers: An’Jelisse Rijos

What they’re saying: “We lost a lot of great seniors on the boys and girls team who were very seasoned wrestlers; however, this year it is the next person up mentality. We have a lot of wrestlers who have been waiting for their chance to fill those spots and we believe they are ready.”

On winning state title with team effort: "I've always been told big tournaments are won in the wrestle backs. Because that really shows a lot of character about your team and who you have in how they respond after that loss where they you know they were hoping to win and they've got to come back for the team and battle through. I think that was showing last year to our younger girls especially that it's not a state title or bust, everybody has aspirations to be the finals or win a state championship but when things don't go our way I think what people notice the most and college coaches and people watching is how you respond after those. Do you go and lose the next match and not look yourself or do you battle back? I think some of our best matches were then and I think the way we responded last year with some of those girls going out and you know getting pins and tech falls on the back side of the bracket against really tough people showed the effort and how they felt about their team and their teammates and stepping up because they knew you know you have your goal to get a state title but we also have a goal as a team here to get a state title."

Some to watch: "Josie Reeves has been working really hard. I'm really excited, to see how she does this year. She has big goals and a great work ethic. Aimar Donastorg, Mekialla Mauvais, I think our two heavy hitters up top. They push each other, they work hard, they're practice partners and I think those two will push each other and support each other and have each other ready for those big moments in the upper weights.

Outlook: Last year the Patriots became the first school to win two girls state team titles and they’re good enough to make it three this season.