COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – When a wrestler competes for a spot representing the United States in international competition, anything less than is bound to disappoint. Much to the chagrin of sisters Katherine and Sara Fulp-Allen – current and former Menlo College grapplers, respectively – a third place finish was in the cards for both at the 2009 World Team Trials during the final weekend in May. By finishing in the top three, each sister earned a place on the U.S. National Team for 2009-10 – an impressive feat that should soften the blow of defeat.

Oaks senior-to-be Katherine took the mat on Saturday at 51 kg and exhibited the technical skill that has made her one of the top female wrestlers in the country. Katherine was awarded a first-round bye before taking on University of the Cumberlands Gabrielle Henry, whom she defeated by decision, 2-1, 5-4. In the first-place match of the challenge portion of the event, Katherine fell 2-1, 1-0, to New York Athletic Club’s Jessica Medina. Medina then went on to knock off former Olympian Patricia Miranda – who had a bye into the best-of-three championship – for the 51 kg title and a spot on the U.S. team at the World Wrestling Championships.

On Sunday, Sara got off to a quick start at 48 kg, dispatching of Cumberland’s Ashley Shannon via technical fall, 6-0, 6-0. A former National Champion at Menlo, Sara then dropped her only match of the tournament in an 8-4, 4-0 decision to Sunkist Kids’ Alyssa Lampe, who went on to win the challenge and fall in the best-of-three championship to teammate Clarissa Chun.

Sara bounced back with another technical fall victory, this time by an 8-2, 8-1 count over Joey Miller of the OCU Stars. New York Athletic Club’s Victoria Anthony proved no match for the elder Fulp-Allen when she was pinned at one minute, 23 seconds on the second round after dropping round one 5-2. In her sixth and final match of the day, Sara showed her mettle by defeating NYAC’s Mary Kelly in comeback fashion, 0-2, 5-0, 7-3 for third place.

Each sister is currently ranked No. 2 in their respective weight class in the U.S. Senior Women’s Rankings. The sisters last represented the U.S. in international competition at the University World Games in Greece a year ago with Katherine bringing home gold and Sara silver.