Though the initial goal of winning a title at the first rendition of the PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships was thwarted due to injury, that’s only added to her motivation heading into the next, as she worked her way back full strength and never looked back. Through 34 matches this season, she’s won all 34, with one left to go for all the glory.

“I don’t even know if I can put it into words. There’s a lot of emotions going through my head. Honestly, I’m just grateful to be able to be in this position,” expressed Furman following the win. “This means so much to me. I’m just thankful I had my faith and my way. God led me on this path.”

Fresh off her first regional title just one Saturday ago, Furman picked up where she left off, not letting the bright lights amidst her first PIAA run faze her on her while to a title shot.

She kicked things off with a controlled, 14-2 major decision against No. 6 Kelley Enterline (Greenville), almost securing a pin before the final whistle sounded. Her next two bouts were reminiscent of her Giant Center debut. Except, when that third-period pin opportunity presented itself, she delivered.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's girls wrestling coaches yell and cheer to Zoe Furman during her championship semifinal match on Friday.

In Friday’s bouts against No. 7 Kayla Husti-Luca (Souderton) and No. 3 Haley Smarsh (Moon), she set the narrative with first-period takedowns and never relinquished, putting together two sound, complete performances. Despite the final outcome, Furman was quick to credit her opponents when it was all said and done.

“The level of competition here is massive,” said Furman. “I don’t know if scores really depend on it and my last two matches were against good opponents. Like seriously, they deserve to be here, and they deserve this just as much as I do.”

Her upcoming opponent, three-time state and two-time PIAA champ Aubre Krazer (Easton) has been on a similar tear throughout her senior run, posting three falls for a shot at four straight. Despite the challenge, Furman continued to express gratitude when discussing the prospect of facing her.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to compete with her, like she’s one of the best in the nation,” said Furman on Krazer. “Just being able to step on the mat and tow that line with her and give it my all, that’s all I want to do.”

Though she stands as the lone Red Raider in the finals, two more have clinched medals and are vying for a shot at third.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.

Freshman Jenna Houseknecht made it all the way to the 106 semifinals in her debut, ultimately enduring her first states loss at the hands of returning PIAA champion Julia Horger after posting a first-round pin and tight quarterfinal decision to clinch a medal. It was disappointing to end Friday with a tough loss, but she’s looking forward to Saturday.

“Next best thing is to regroup. I’m not done yet,” said Houseknecht. “I made it here but sixth is not exactly what I want. Third’s what I’m aiming for now.”

And though she fell in quarters in distressing fashion, senior Emily Murphy has been running it back through consolations.

The returning bronze medalist clinched her second straight state medal with a second-period pin in third-round consolations. Then, she clinched a worst-case sixth with a well-fought 6-0 decision over No. 6 Emily Sarr (Souderton).

There’s an underlying motivation to keeping those runs alive, as Montgomery currently sits in fifth in what should be a nailbiter team title finish.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.

“Where we’re at right now team wise, all our girls (have won matches),” said Furman. “So, that was incredible for us as a team overall.”

Outside of Montgomery, Williamsport junior Lillian Rumsey and Central Mountain junior Kendall Wagner each hold tournament stock heading into Saturday.

After falling in a tough quarterfinal bout against No. 3 Mai Graham (Southern Lehigh), Rumsey put together a tear through consolations, surrendering just two points through two matches and posting two third-period tech falls against top 7 opponents.

And though she suffered a tough loss to No. 4 Bryce Snyder (Palisades) in championship semifinals, Wagner had already built on last year’s eighth-place finish when she defeated Alisa Williams (Panther Valley) to make it there in the first place. She heads into Saturday still vying for third and will look to reignite the momentum she established in her first two bouts.

It’s always exciting to have area athletes still competing on the last day of the PIAA Wrestling Championships. The Sun-Gazette girls are no exception, having put forth exceptional efforts up to this point.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman celebrates after earning a semifinal win and advancing to wrestle for a gold medal during Friday's girls wrestling championships in Hershey.