U.S. Women's Olympic Trials Semifinals Results, Finals Set

By Ryan Maquiñana

The finals are set for the inaugural U.S. Women's Olympic Trials at the Northern Quest Resort in Airway Heights, Wash., after Friday night's challengers' bracket action ended with three victors to challenge their unbeaten winners' bracket counterparts.

In the flyweight (112 lbs.) final, Tyrieshia Douglas of Baltimore will face six-time national champ Marlen Esparza of Houston after Douglas upset New York City's Christina Cruz, 22-14.

The lightweight (132 lbs.) final will feature five-time national titlist Queen Underwood of Seattle versus Mikaela Mayer of Los Angeles, who beat N'yteeyah Sherman of Ohio in a 26-24 nailbiter.

Finally, Pittsburgh's Tika Hemingway advanced to the middleweight (165 lbs.) final with a 21-6 decision over San Francisco's Raquel Miller that was closer than what the score reflected.  Hemingway will take on teenage prodigy Claressa Shields of Flint, Mich.

The tournament is double-elimination, and while the challengers' bracket winners come into the final with one loss, their opponents are unbeaten.  Therefore, should Douglas, Mayer, or Hemingway emerge victorious tomorrow, that fighter would force a winner-take-all final on Sunday.  If Esparza, Underwood, or Shields pull out a win on Saturday, that fighter would clinch a gold medal on the spot.