Coppell Middle School West student Smrithi Upadhyayula won the 58th annual Dallas Morning News Regional Spelling Bee competition on Saturday for the second time.

13 years old took the title again after spelling “vichyssoise,” a soup often served cold. “I was instantly really happy because I knew that word, and knew I was going to win,” Smrithi said.

Quitman Stephens, a local attorney and a judge for the regional bee, said that,“It’s unusual to see two spellers go, that many rounds one-on-one, that just shows they were exceptionally well-prepared.”

Smrithi’s mother, Padmini Dokka, said that, “She’s a rock, but I’m not,”  “I was not sure that she knew some of those words. It was nerve-racking.”

Smrithi said that, “I was kind of nervous because I know Ananya  she is very good.” “Last year it was just a couple of rounds, but this year we were better prepared.”

Smrithi’s father, Satish Upadhyayula, said that,“It is like the Olympics, it is good to see those kids on the stage. It is a bonding experience.”

Nandini