BREAKING: Montgomery’s Furman earns first state title in program history | News, Sports, Jobs

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Montgomery’s Zoe Furman celebrates after a semifinal win. Furman went on to win the state title at 136 pounds, becoming the first District 4 girls wrestler to win a state championship.

After suffering a heartbreaking loss in last year’s state final, Montgomery senior Zoe Furman ensured she created another opportunity in the next shot she got, dominating her were to her second final. On Saturday, she made the most of the opportunity, defeating No. 3 Sayona Harris-Haye (Greater Johnstown) by 10-6 to clinch his first PIAA title.

The championship marked the first in program history for Montgomery, continuing a decorated start for a program coming off a PIAA team title in 2025. It also marked the first girls title in District 4 history.

“It’s an awesome blessing to be able to go out and compete, especially for one of the titles of best in the state,” said Furman on the title. “I felt the support; I felt the love. I’m so thankful to be able to be our school’s first girls state champion, and even District 4’s. It’s awesome.”

After securing an early takedown, Furman faced adversity late in the first, going down 6-3. But she’d work a second-period escape and score five back points in the third, keeping Harris-Haye scoreless through the rest of the match.

With the win, Furman wrapped up her career with a 95-5 record, racking up 95 wins despite missing her entire sophomore season due to injury. In her two seasons of PIAA competition, the senior finished with a 79-1 record, pairs of state final appearances, District 4 and Central Regional titles and now, a state championship.

It’s a win that propels the Edinboro commit into her college career on the highest note possible, setting the tone for what should be another storied chapter for the Red Raider.