WEBSTER CITY JUNIOR MADDIE PULIS, who wrestles for Fort Dodge, won a super regional championship in Sioux City. (Photo by Britt Kudla)

SIOUX CITY — Webster City’s Maddie Pulis knew the key was to be mentally prepared.

When Pulis entered the super regional girls wrestling tournament here on Friday, she figured the first thing she needed was to be ready to go.

“I had a good day, and most of that was because I had a positive mindset and I love the Fort Dodge team,” Pulis said. “The girls are amazing and I love our coach.

“Most of my challenges are (centered around) my mindset. When I went into that last match I (realized) I had a great opportunity and I took advantage of it.”

The junior punched a state ticket, rallying for the 155-pound individual championship.

“Maddie worked hard and came out with a hard-earned victory,” said Fort Dodge head coach Jon Koenig. “She has been improving as the year goes on. She had her tunnel vision, knowing what she wanted to accomplish.”

Pulis (16-6) found herself in a 3-0 hole in the final period of the 155-pound final against Dana Swedensky of Council Bluffs Lewis Central. Swedensky registered three near-fall points in the second period.

With 13 seconds left, Pulis was awarded a penalty point to pull within 3-1. She then took Swedensky (27-10) to her back with five seconds remaining.

Pulis would not be denied, earning a takedown with 21 seconds left in SV-1 for gold.

“Even though it was a close match, when I was wrestling I decided I did not come here to lose — and I wouldn’t,” Pulis said. “Qualifying means a lot to me and proves to everyone who doubted me that I can do it.

“I may not be the best, but I’m always trying to get better.”

In the quarterfinals, Pulis pinned Manson Northwest Webster’s Raegan Wooldridge (15-8) in 1:22. Pulis and Wooldridge are also teammates on the Fort Dodge swim team.

Pulis recorded a fall in the semifinals against Claire Miller (20-9) of Denison-Schleswig in 1:34.

Pulis will now compete at the state meet in Coralville on Thursday and Friday. She will be joined by Fort Dodge teammates Mariah Benedict (125), Macy Brown (130) and defending state champion Alexis Ross (135).

Quarterfinal – Maddie Pulis (Fort Dodge) 16-6 won by fall over Raegan Wooldridge (Manson Northwest Webster) 15-8 (Fall 1:22)

Semifinal – Maddie Pulis (Fort Dodge) 16-6 won by fall over Claire Miller (Denison-Schleswig) 20-9 (Fall 1:34)

1st Place Match – Maddie Pulis (Fort Dodge) 16-6 won in sudden victory – 1 over Dana Swedensky (Lewis Central) 27-10 (SV-1 5-3)