Contact: Matthew Eaker, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, mreaker@noctrl.edu 

Results 

ZAGREB, Croatia (Feb. 4, 2023) - Wrestling in her first International Ranking Event of 2023, Yelena Makoyed of the North Central College women's wrestling team continues to make her presence known as she rolled to a fourth gold medal at the Zagreb Open Ranking Event in Croatia on Saturday.

In her first match of the event, Makoyed (76 kg) made quick work of Canada's Shauna Kuebeck, defeating her by an 11-0 technical fall. Makoyed would face Precious Bell of the USA in the quarterfinals and after heading into the second period with a 6-2 lead, she scored three more takedowns to secure a 12-2 technical fall win to push her into the semifinals. 

Her opponent in the semifinals match was a familiar face, the 2022 Team USA World Team Member, Dymond Guilford. Makoyed held a narrow 4-2 lead heading into the second period but a four point throw and two takedowns helped her defeat her rival by a 12-2 technical fall to send her into her fourth consecutive gold medal match. Makoyed would square off with 2021 World bronze medalist Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan in the gold medal match and would find herself down 2-0 after a Medet Kyzy takedown. Makoyed would answer with a takedown of her own and then turn Medet Kyzy to her back, earning the fall and the 76 kg gold medal. 

Makoyed has made a name for herself on the senior international stage, claiming her fourth  consecutive gold medal. Makoyed and the top-ranked Cardinals are back in action on Sunday as they travel to Lebanon, Ill. for the Bearcat Open. The  action is set to start at 9 am inside the Melvin Price Convocation Center. 

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