Hendricks Finishes Nationals as Runner-Up, All-American
JAMESTOWN, ND -- Waldorf senior women's wrestler Jojo Hendricks (Beaumont, CA) fell just short Saturday night, dropping a 4-3 decision to 2024 National Champion Tavia Heidelberg-Tillitson of Menlo College of Atherton, California.
The defeat for Hendricks ends a historic run which saw the Waldorf senior grappler win four straight National Tournament bouts to advance from the First Round all the way to the National Final. Her unbeaten streak culminated in Friday's semifinal win at 191 lbs. over Lessly Sandoval of St. Mary (Kan.). Hendricks overcame an early 2-0 deficit to win by a 9-4 decision. Hendricks had not been scored upon in her three prior victories of the tournament.
The 191 lb. bout served as the evening's main event, and delivered as arguably the most competitive single bout of the tournament. Hendricks scored first in the opening round, opening up a 1-0 lead. Shortly thereafter, she widened the lead to 3-0 late in the first round. Heidelberg-Tillitson countered and narrowed the deficit to 3-2 by the end of the first round.
In the second round, Heidelberg-Tillitson was again able to score two points, while Hendricks was held scoreless. The 2-0 second round delivered both the bout and the 2024 National Championship to Heidelberg-Tillitson by the slimmest of margins.
"Jojo finished off a fantastic career tonight," said Waldorf Head Coach Tyreece Gilder. "One of a kind she is. Everything a Coach could ask for in an athlete on AND off the mat. She's made a tremendous impact on our program over the past five seasons. It's been a pleasure to be part of her growth as an athlete and as a person!"
With her semifinal victory, Hendricks had already guaranteed All-American status, becoming the first Warrior women's wrestler to become an All-American since Diana Dzasezeva in 2021-22.
Hendricks finishes the season with an overall record of 27-2.