Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

NCC Results

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (Feb. 21, 2021) - Competing in the Cliff Keen National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) Northwest Regional Tournament, 13 members of the North Central College women's wrestling team punched their ticket to the National Tournament. The Cardinals took first-place as a team while Asia Nguyen-Smith and Yelena Makoyed each earned first-place finishes for their respective weight classes as well.

Wrestlers who finished in the top-four of their weight class earn a trip to Nationals

No. 1 ranked Makoyed left no doubt as to why she is the best in the country as she pinned both of her opponents to lock down first-place at 170-pounds. Sophomore Nguyen-Smith (123) also tallied two wins, both by tech fall to earn herself a trip to the National Tournament.

Kate Cacho (101) and Sarah Martinez (116) each secured second-place in their specific weight classes. Angelina Graff (109) pinned her semifinal opponent from the host, UW-Stevens Point to take second-place following her loss in the championship match. At 123-pounds, Mateah Roehl only lost to fellow Cardinal Nguyen-Smith as she also earned second-place. No. 2 Amanda Martinez (130) won by fall in just 38-seconds before losing a closely contested championship match via a 2-1 decision. Sophomore and No. 5 ranked Malea Palahniuk (155) tallied her sixth pin of the season as she also finished in second-place. 

Freshman Abbey Denney wrestled her way back after falling by decision in the semifinal to earn third-place. She posted two wins by decision at the 136-pound division. Also taking third-place was Amber Latta (191) as she also bounced back from a semifinal loss. In the third-place match, Latta won via a 10-0 tech fall.

Taking fourth-place and booking their trips to Nationals was Elizah Leonard (116), Raena Schledwitz (143), and Hana Richter (170). 

The Cardinals travel to Tiffin, Ohio on March 6th to compete in the NCWWC National Tournament. The event is set to begin at 9:00 AM (ET). 

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.