Life University Athletics

FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. --- The Life University women's wrestling team started their busy weekend on a good note going 3-0 at the Emmanuel Duals today, defeating Limestone University 47-0, Emmanuel College 28-19, and Liberty University 47-1.

The Running Eagles started the day with a 47-0 victory over Limestone University. The match started with a pair of forfeits, while Brianna Funakoshi followed them up with a come from behind second period victory via pin to push Life U's lead to 15-0. Another forfeit at 123 was followed by a quick 10-0 technical fall victory in Julia Vidallon's return to the mat, while Ulyette Curiel earned a second period pin to extend the advantage to 29-0. At 155 lbs. and 170 lbs. Life U earned a pair of dominant 10-0 techfalls from Destinee Rivera and Stephanie Villalobos, respectively, while Elizabeth Grabiec capped the match off with a second period pin for the final score of 47-0.

Against the host of the dual meet, Emmanuel, Life U found themselves in a more highly contested match, pulling out a 28-19 victory. The match did not start well for the Running Eagles the team suffering a loss via techfall 14-4 in the 101 lbs. match and a pin at 116 lbs. to find themsleves in a 9-6 hole after three boughts. A Paige Denke first period pin at 123 lbs and Vidallon dominating another opponent in a 10-0 TF at 130 lbs. gave Life U a 15-9 lead. The Running Eagles extended their lead, Alma Mendoza coming just short of earning bonus points with a 9-0 decision at 143 lbs., while Rivera pushed the lead to 23-14 by following that up with a pin of her opponent. The team's traded in the final two matches, Life U taking a forfeit, while the Lions recorded a pin for the final of 28-19.

In the Running Eagles match against Liberty, six of the ten matches were won via pin, setting the team up for an easy, 47-1, victory. In the non-forfeited matches, Funakoshi recorded a 10-0 TF at 116 lbs., Mendoza pinned her opponent at 143 lbs., Villalobos earned a fall at 170 lbs., and Grabiec closed out a tough match to win a 2-2 decision via criteria.

Head coach Ashley Flavin, expressed that she was happy to get to see some faces out on the mats today that had not seen much action to this point in the season. "I was really excited to see some of the girls that have not been able to wrestle much this year out on the mat today." Flavin continued, "Today's matches provided a great stage to gain some experience and prepare to move forward into the rest of the year." She finished, stating, "I am excited to get back to competition this Sunday for the Rob Horton Invitational."

The women's wrestling team stays in Franklin Springs this weekend, competing in the Rob Horton Invitational Sunday.