Contact: Anna Fox, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, amfox@noctrl.edu
 
UNIVERSITY PARK, Penn. (Nov. 16, 2024) - Kendra Ryan and Amani Jones of the North Central College women's wrestling team defeated their nationally ranked opponents at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic Saturday night.
 
Fourth-ranked (NCAA) Ryan met top-ranked (NAIA) Emma Baertlein of Southern Oregon on the mat for the 110-pound match-up. In the first period, Ryan earned two points from a takedown. With just 50 seconds left  in the period, Ryan took down Baertlein for another two point takedown. In the second period, Baertlein struck first, earning two points from a takedown. Baertlein tried to strike again before time ran up, but Ryan stopped her. Ryan defeated Baertlein with a 4-2 decision win.
 
First-ranked Jones took Ryan's momentum into her match against second-ranked (NAIA) Maya Davis from Grand View University in the 124 bout. Jones worked hard to set up a pin over Davis and with just 1 minute 40 seconds left on the clock, Jones got the call.
 
Ryan, Jones, and their Cardinal teammates will be back on the mat in Gregory Arena Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. to face off against Illinois Wesleyan University.
 
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