No. 1 Women's Wrestling Rallies to Defeat No. 7 Cumberlands
Women's Wrestling / 01.22.20
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. ---- The No. 1 nationally ranked Life University women's wrestling team used a team effort to come from behind and defeat No. 7 University of the Cumberlands 23-22 Wednesday night on the road in Mid-South Conference action.
Once again, the dual came down to the final match 191 lbs. where
Gabrielle Hamilton secured the victory. Two other Running Eagles secured the win via pin fall to aid Life U in the come from behind effort.
No. 4 ranked
Faye Cherrier started the dual off with a pin (1:31) against the No. 12 ranked wrestler in the country at 101 to give Life U an early 5-0 lead. Cumberlands won via forfeit at 109 and 116 lbs. to take a 10-5 advantage. Cumberlands earned a 6-2 decision at 123 to take a 13-6 lead. No. 8
Aysia Cortez picked up the upset over the No. 5 ranked wrestler at 130 lbs. with a 6-2 decision to cut the lead to five, 14-9. No. 3
Alex Enriquez kept the momentum flowing with a pin (2:11) at 136 lbs. to die the dual at 14.
Cumberlands responded with a 7-4 decision at 143 lbs. and an 11-0 technical fall at 155. With two weight classes remaining, the Patriots led 21-15. No. 7
Jordan Nelson earned the 9-5 decision at 170 lbs. for Life U to bring the score to 22-18. Hamilton took the mat where she needed a pin to secure the Running Eagle victory. Leading 4-0, No. 3 Hamilton overpowered her opponent to earn the pin in 1:40 to secure the 23-22 win for Life U.Â
"We've been battling back from injuries after a tough National Duals and came into this dual knowing we were giving up 10 points due to 2 forfeits," head coach
Ashley Sword stated. "From the top ranked athlete to the athlete who just found out she would be starting an hour before the dual, the ladies all did their jobs. Tonight further illustrates importance of the larger picture of team in success in general, but specifically amongst this group of athletes as they rise and succeed not for themselves, but for their family. Gabby's ability to stay composed under extreme pressure sealed the win with a 23-22 team score. The fact that our ladies were able stay composed and get the job done under high pressure speaks to the steps we are taking in the climb through championship season."
The women's wrestling team will return to action on Wednesday, January 9, when they travel to Campbellsville, Ky. to face No. 2 Campbellsville University in a Mid-South Conference dual that is set to begin at 4 PM.
