Pine Grove's Samantha Eisenhauer, works on top of Palmerton's Lea Schaible during the 136-pound bout Wednesday. Eisenhauer won by major decision, helping the Cardinals post a 40-22 victory (Photo by Bob Lipsky)

PINE GROVE — Eve Kurtz got to experience a real Senior Night on Wednesday at Pine Grove.

The Cardinals’ All-State 148-pounder walked onto the mat in her home gym with her parents as the public address announcer read her accomplishments, future plans and message to her family. Kurtz carried a framed plaque with her photo on it to commemorate the occasion.

For decades, that scene has played out countless times across Schuylkill County in all sports, a special moment for the senior and family, coaches and fans.

Yet when Kurtz began her high school career four years ago, girls’ wrestling wasn’t a PIAA-sanctioned sport. The Pine Grove girls had no team of their own, no dual meets of their own and few prospects to continue the sport she loves.

During her sophomore year, the movement to make girls’ wrestling a full-fledged varsity sport gained support. As a junior, Kurtz competed in PIAA-sanctioned events, taking second at districts, third at regionals and an eighth-place medal at states.

This season, Kurtz and fellow senior Ayla Budd got to experience Senior Night in their last home meet. Both girls picked up forfeits as Pine Grove defeated Palmerton 40-22.

The Cardinals improved to 5-3; Palmerton fell to 0-5.

Samantha Eisenhauer (136) posed a 16-2 major decision over Lea Schaible for Pine Grove.

Kurtz proved she’s more than just an athlete, singing the national anthem prior to the girls’ dual meet. After graduation, Kurtz will attend Arcadia University to study art education and art therapy — and compete on the women’s wrestling team.

Kurtz (16-1) at 148 and freshman Geanna Lemke (15-2) at 142 took two of Pine Grove’s six forfeits.

“It makes me really happy to see a bunch of girls want to continue to grow the sport,” said Lemke, who has wrestled for 5-6 years. “I’ve been wrestling boys most of my life, so to have a girls’ team, it makes me happy, gives me joy.”

Pine Grove 40, Palmerton 22

170 — Ries (Palm) maj. dec. Fegley, 12-3

190 — Purcell (PG) won by forfeit

235 — Graeff (PG) won by forfeit

100 — Budd (PG) won by forfeit

106 — No bout

112 — Kibler (Palm) won by forfeit

118 — No bout

124 — Merkel (Palm) won by forfeit

130 — Benninger (Palm) pinned Bast, 4:56

136 — S. Eisenhauer (PG) maj. dec. Schaible, 16-2

142 — Lemke (PG) won by forfeit

148 — Kurtz (PG) won by forfeit

155 — R. Eisenhauer (PG) won by forfeit

JV Score: Palmerton 3-0

Panther Valley 39, Tamaqua 12

LANSFORD — Alisa Williams (190) earned a fall to lead Panther Valley past Tamaqua in a non-league dual meet.

Mayrin Vazquez-Frias (124) added a 16-14 decision over Jalissa Correa for the Panthers (3-4).

Kaitlyn Rivera (130) notched a fall for the Blue Raiders (0-3).

100 — No bout

106 — No bout

112 — Kunkel (T) won by forfeit

118 — No bout

124 — Vazquez-Frias (PV) dec. Correa, 16-14

130 — Rivera (T) pinned Wentz, 3:59

136 — McQuillen (PV) won by forfeit

142 — Snyder (PV) won by forfeit

148 — Cabrera (PV) won by forfeit

155 — Bennick (PV) won by forfeit

170 — No bout

190 — Williams (PV) pinned Clay, 1:07

235 — Banks (PV) won by forfeit