Orlando, Fla. – The Villages High School girls weightlifting team picked up a pair of runner-up finishes and four individual first-place performances at its regional meet Saturday in Orlando.

The Buffalo finished second in both the Olympic and Traditional formats at the Class 1A-Region 5 Meet, trailing only South Sumter in the overall team standings. VHS amassed 

VHS boasted three lifters winning a total of four individual titles as Kim Gepega swept both disciplines at 101 pounds, while Jackie Tomassian (119) and Alexa Taylor (129) both finished first in the Traditional format. 

The trio of Lana Nelson, Olivia Wetzel and Madison Lacharite each finished second in their respective weight classes to place second individually.

The team will now look ahead to the 2026 FHSAA State Meet, scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 13 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment via email at cody.hills@tvcs.org.