ROCHELLE — Nine is just fine for Washington wrestling.

The Panthers will make their ninth appearance in the Class 2A dual-team state finals since 2014 after a 45-22 win over Geneseo on Tuesday at the Rochelle Sectional. Washington, the defending state champ, has won seven state trophies in the last nine seasons, including five titles (2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016).

Washington now faces Wauconda at 5 p.m. Friday in the state quarterfinals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

'You're a state champ': Dunlap and Washington wrestlers sparkle at IHSA state finals

In posting nine wins in the match, the Nick Miller-coached squad got victories from three of their individual state medalists: Wyatt Medlin, Zane Hulet and Josh Hoffer.

State champion Medlin got a quick fall at 138 pounds, pinning Izaac Gaines in 1:35. Third-place finisher Hulet also picked up a major decision at 190 pounds. The senior ended his match with Logan Palmer thanks to a 10-2 score. Hoffer, who took fourth at 190 pounds, put Logan Palmer on his back with a fall in 5:19.

Peoria Notre Dame, Canton end seasons

LE ROY — Peoria Notre Dame came up short in the program's first-ever dual-team sectional appearance.

PND lost to Tolono Unity, 43-33, in the Class 1A Le Roy Sectional on Tuesday. Canton fell to the hosts, 43-22, in the other dual.

Ian Akers, who was a Class 1A 113-pound state runner-up, wrestled up two weight classes, pinning 126-pounder Symon Griffin in 47 seconds. The Irish's other state qualifier, Michael McLaughlin, also recorded a quick fall over Jaden Dene in 23 seconds.

IHSA WRESTLING: Peoria-area matches, schedules and complete results

But PND won just six of the bouts with Josh Stedwill (106 pounds), Remi Joesting (120 pounds), Chase Daugherty (157 pounds) and Ben Mulles (215 pounds) also claiming victory.

Canton, which made its first state finals last season, won only five matches highlighted by fifth-place finisher Danny Murphy at 190 pounds. The senior needed just 17 seconds to pin Adam Moore.

Jacob Hardesty (106 pounds), Maddux Steele (120 pounds), Gus Lidwell (175 pounds) and Connor Williams (285 pounds) also ended their seasons on a win.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA state wrestling: Washington makes ninth state finals in decade