South Kitsap wrestler Hayden finishes second at Mat Classic

Elizabeth Hayden, a junior, was pinned by Skyview's Madisyn Cardens in the championship match.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Elizabeth Hayden, a junior wrestler from South Kitsap High School, finished second at the Mat Classic state wrestling tournament in Tacoma, Washington. Hayden was pinned by Skyview's Madisyn Cardens in the championship match, but she was still pleased with her performance.

Why it matters

The Mat Classic is one of the most prestigious high school wrestling tournaments in the state of Washington, and a second-place finish is a significant accomplishment for a junior wrestler like Hayden.

The details

Hayden, a junior at South Kitsap High School, made it to the championship match of the Mat Classic tournament, where she was pinned by Skyview's Madisyn Cardens. Despite the loss, Hayden was still happy with how she performed and the progress she has made as a wrestler.

  • The Mat Classic tournament took place on Friday, November 20, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Hayden

A junior wrestler from South Kitsap High School who finished second at the Mat Classic state wrestling tournament.

Madisyn Cardens

A wrestler from Skyview High School who defeated Hayden in the championship match of the Mat Classic tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I was really happy for how I did.”

— Elizabeth Hayden (Kitsap Sun)

The takeaway

Hayden's second-place finish at the prestigious Mat Classic tournament is a testament to her hard work and dedication as a wrestler, and it sets her up for continued success in her senior year.