In only its fourth season, the Cypress Creek High girls weightlifting team proved to be the strongest so far. The Coyotes won their first district title and qualified five for the state meet with Andje Costa becoming their first medalist.

Costa, a junior, placed third at states in the 101-pound weight class with a 260 total (combined bench press and clean-and-jerk). She finished eighth last year as the Coyotes’ lone state qualifier. This season, Costa repeated as a conference, district and regional champion.

“She worked her tail off to improve on her technique and strength,” coach Tico Hernandez said. Her senior season is going to be a joy to watch.”

The four other state qualifiers were Ariana Manzano, who placed 12th in the 129 division, Sienna Silvest, Gabby Gonzalez and Maylynn Allen.

This year’s success came on the heels of last year’s district runner-up finish. The Coyotes had seven individual champions in winning the district title, sending 13 girls to the regionals in Weeki Wachee. Cypress Creek placed fourth among 24 teams.

Aside from Costa, Cypress Creek’s district winners were

Winning individual titles for the Coyotes were Silvest, Manzano, Allen, Emma Kittredge, Lanai Haynes and Addison Bradford.