Moments from Friday's state powerlifting competition

Atrisco Heritage’s Leslie Nayarez attempts the bench press in the 123-pound weight class during Friday’s state powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Nayarez won the state title.

Los Lunas powerlifter Isabella Jojola puts chalk on her hands before heading for her second attempt for deadlift during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Atrisco Heritage’s Leslie Nayarez jumps to hug coach Jessica Alderete during Friday's state powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Nayarez won the 123-pound state title.

Organ Mountain’s Andrea Garcia deadlifts in the 165-pound weight class during the State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Hobbs athlete Mayte Trevizo in the 148 weight class gets ready for her bench press attempt during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Roswell’s Aceya Ortega in the 132 weight class gets ready for her bench press attempts during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Alamogordo’s Madison Gigler competes in the 181-pound weight class during the State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Powerlifting Assistant Coach Albert Hernandez watches as his athlete is on the bench press during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Volcano Vista’s Adriana Kist attempts the bench press in the 148-pound weight class during Friday's state powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Kist won the state title.

Clovis High School’s Emylee Vetterly fixes her mouth guard before her deadlift attempt during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Cleveland's Affinity Archuleta readies for a deadlift attempt in the 132-pound weight during Friday's state powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Archuleta won the state title.

Rio Rancho’s Alayah Gonzales won the girls 259-pound weight class during Friday’s state powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Gonzales, who has chronic pancreatitis, said she was ‘practically living in the hospital for two years,’ but is now a back-to-back state champion.

Cleveland High School’s Sierra Reza in the 148 weight class was up to the bench during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Hobbs High school Maribel Anaya jumps up to hug her coach after her bench press attempt during State Powerlifting competition at the Rio Rancho Event Center on Friday, Apr 4, 2025

Jessica Baca

Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Photographer

Published April 4, 2025 - 9:34 p.m. Modified April 5, 2025 - 2:20 p.m.

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