Contact: Anna Fox, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, amfox@noctrl.edu

Results
 
Dec. 8, 2024 - In a highly anticipated match-up, the second-ranked North Central College women's wrestling team conquered fourth-ranked Grand Valley State University 26-17 on Sunday night in Gregory Arena.
 
In the 103-pound weight class, fifth-ranked Maddie Avila faced off against fourth-ranked Rayana Sahagun. Avila was up one point from a step out, but Sahagun gained momentum from a takedown. It was initially scored as four points before a challenge from head coach Joe Norton overturned the takedown to two points. Avila earned a point from a step-out but ultimately fell by a 4-2 decision.
 
Fourth-ranked Kendra Ryan met first-ranked Sage Mortimer on the mat in the 110 division. Mortimer worked fast to tally seven points in the first period. Both wrestlers picked up two-point takedowns while Ryan was gaining energy. However, time ran out before Ryan could use her newly found momentum, and fell by a 9-2 decision.
 
Sydney Petzinger (117) accepted a forfeit for the Cardinals, adding five points to the duals score and giving the Cardinals a 7-6 lead. In the 124 class, top-ranked Amani Jones showed her dominance against fourth-ranked Aspen Blasko. Jones was up 6-0 before Blasko could tie up the score. Jones picked up two two-point exposures in the second period and earned a 10-6 decision win.
 
In the 131 bout, No. 1 Sara Sterner walked on the mat energized and ready to take on Hannah Palise. Sterner quickly racked up six points. Grand Valley tried to challenge a two-point takedown, but the challenge was denied. Sterner gained more momentum in the match and won by a dominating 11-0 technical fall.
 
The Cardinals dropped the 138-pound match-up by a pin, but North Central still held the lead, 14-12. Third-ranked Bella Mir (145) ruled in her match over Elleni Johnson (No. 6). Mir completely shut down Johnson and briskly earned a 10-0 technical fall. In the 160 division, No. 8 Tiera Jimerson faced Clarissa Agostini. Jimerson earned the Cardinal's lone pin of the night in just two minutes and 25 seconds and collected five points for the team.
 
North Central fell in the 180-pound weight class by a pin and entered the night's final match leading the dual 23-17. In the 207 class, Caroline Ward held her ground against Aaliyah Granberry. Ward picked up one point from a penalty and two points from a takedown before holding off Granberry till the clock ran down. North Central defeated Grand Valley 26-17.
 
The Cardinals are back in exactly one week, on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9 a.m., when they host the North Central College Invitational.
 
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