By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Life University women's wrestling team delivered a strong showing at the Warrior Open, earning multiple podium finishes and several bracket titles. The Running Eagles continued to display the team's depth across a variety of weight classes, highlighted by standout performances from bracket winners and high-placements.
Bracket Champions
Anetra Witherspoon claimed the 180 lbs title with a dominant run, recording multiple tech falls and falls before securing a 3-1 decision over Johanna Carrasco (Baker) in the finals.
At 131 lbs, Sarah Savidge swept her bracket in decisive fashion, winning all five matches by tech fall, including an 11-0 victory over Devin Patton (William Penn) in the championship.
Top Podium Finishers
Ariana Martinez (124 lbs) and Maggie Graham (180 lbs) both delivered third-place finishes. Martinez advanced to the semifinals with a mix of falls and tech falls, ultimately defeating teammate Anna Krejsa in an 11-3 decision in the third-place match. Graham secured third at 180 lbs with a 5-2 decision over Kelani Corbett (Missouri Valley).
Other notable podium finishes included:
- Zayla Vann (145 lbs): Runner-up with a strong run to the finals, where she fell to Hailee Crosland (Baker) by fall.
- Olivia Mottley (131 lbs): Third place, capped by a fall in her final match over Paige Respicio (Providence).
- Zaynah McBryde (138 lbs): Third place, finishing her tournament with a 10-0 tech fall over Waipuilani Estrella-Beauchamp (Providence).
- Diana Gonzalez (110 lbs): Fourth place after advancing to the semifinals and battling through a tough bracket.
Additional Performances
Several athletes made significant contributions in their respective brackets:
- Megan Stottsberry (145 lbs): Fifth place, with notable victories by fall and tech fall.
- Jordyn Chrisco (131 lbs): Advanced through several rounds with a mix of falls and tech falls, demonstrating resilience throughout the tournament.
- Macie Anderson (103 lbs): Advanced through the consolation rounds with multiple falls after an early loss.
The Running Eagles also saw contributions from wrestlers like Estefany Garcia (124 lbs), who picked up a fall in the opening round, and Sophie Sarver (124 lbs), who scored a nine-second pin in her first match.