By Taylor Miller

USA Wrestling

TRNAVA, Slovakia – Macey Kilty collected a silver medal at the 2018 Junior World Championships, after making her second World finals appearance of the summer.

“I think throughout this year, I’ve made a big jump in my wrestling and my training,” Kilty said. “Just the pressure I put on my opponents and staying in good position has jumped levels for me, even since Croatia. I’ve seen a big difference. I’m just grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this summer and getting to compete.”

Kilty, who won a Cadet World title in July in Zagreb, Croatia, faced off against reining Junior World champion and two-time Cadet World champion Khanum Velieva of Russia in the 68 kg finals.

Velieva scored first on a takedown, but moments later picked up a takedown on the edge to take a 3-0 lead into the break over the American.

In the second period, the three-time World champion scored on a throw-by for a takedown. Her final two points came in the form of a step out and a caution and one to take the gold medal with a 7-0 victory.

Kilty wrapped up her first Junior World tournament with her third-career World medal. The Stratford native won Cadet World bronze in 2016 and added Cadet World gold this summer.