Rachel Hale with her parents, Linda and Jon, and brother, Zak. Both Rachel and Zak Hale won state championships Saturday. (Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh for The New York Times

BENNINGTON — The kings of Vermont high school wrestling now have a queen.

Freshman Rachel Hale became the first Vermont girl to win a wrestling state crown, capturing the 103-pound weight class in nail-biting fashion, and Mount Anthony Union continued its reign for a nation-leading 23rd straight time on home turf Saturday at the conclusion of the two-day championship tournament.

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — Holding the narrowest of leads, Rachel Hale kept the boy subdued on his hands and knees, then on his belly. Both wrestlers were 103 pounds of leverage and intent. She hooked her leg tightly around his, flattening his hips toward the mat, trying to turn him on his back and pin his shoulders, careful not to let him score decisive points by escaping or reversing positions or pinning her.

The tiny gym was packed Saturday night, and the fans grew loud, as if the volume of their voices could hurry the clock toward history. Finally, the referee tapped Hale, a 15-year-old freshman, on the shoulder. She got to her feet and leapt jubilantly, and the referee raised her right arm. 

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