WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The #2 Campbellsville University women's wrestling team faced the host #8 University of the Cumberlands Patriots and the #1 Life University Running Eagles Thursday night. The Lady Tigers bested the Patriots in their dual 35-12, but fell short against the Running Eagles 24-23.
First up at the triangular was the rematch of the 2022 NWCA Women's National Duals final back on January 7th in Louisville where Life was able to defeat Campbellsville 25-19. The Running Eagles were able to capture wins in the first three divisions. The Lady Tigers would respond though rattling off four straight victories. In the 123 lb. class, #2
Leilah Castro won with a pinfall in 50 seconds. #5
Angie Vitiritti captured a fall of her own in the 130 lb. division over #4 Julia Vidallon at 4:58. #8
Randi Robison, wrestling at 136 lbs., would make it three pins in a row beating #7 Olivia Mottley in 2:06. #3
Emma Walker remained undefeated in duals on the year picking up another fall for the Lady Tigers against #17 Angie Prado. Finally, #4
Kenya Sloan secured a decision win over #2 Destinee Rivera 6-4. Life needed two pinfall victories at that point to surpass the Lady Tigers' total score and, despite valiant efforts from the women in the 170 and 191 weight classes, they were able to do so and take the dual 24-23.
Right after their intense dual with Life, Campbellsville hit the mat with Cumberlands. The Lady Tigers posted six straight wins over the Patriots (and two forfeits too). 101 lb.
Mia Diaz, 116 lb.
Anna Rusth, 123 lb. #9
Jacqueline Ghent, 130 lb. #2
Katlyn Pizzo, 136 lb.
Juliana Baugher, and 143 lb.
Hannah McDonald all were triumphant with the latter three all posting pinfalls. Diaz grabbed a 6-4 decision, Rusth took a 9-2 decision, and Ghent was able to get a technical fall of 10-0 in just 1:51. Pizzo's fall came in 38 seconds, Baugher's in 1:38, and McDonald's was 46 seconds. Although Cumberlands took the last two bouts, Campbellsville emerged with a statement win 35-12.
These teams will meet again at the Mid-South Conference Championships on February 20th and at the NAIA National Women's Invitational on March 11-12 in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Next, the Lady Tigers will be traveling to Des Moines, Iowa Saturday February 5th to take on #4 Grand View University.
