By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's wrestling team delivered a strong early-season showing at the Blue Hose Challenge, highlighted by a tournament champion, two finalists, and four total podium finishes across a competitive field of both top NCAA and NAIA team. The Running Eagles demonstrated depth throughout the lineup, with strong performances at 124, 131, 138, and 180 lbs.
At 180 lbs, Reka Busa turned in one of the most dominant runs of the tournament. After opening with a bye, the sophomore rolled through the bracket with back-to-back tech falls before capping her title performance with a first-period pin in just 54 seconds over NCAA #4 Henlee Haynes of Presbyterian.
The 110-lb bracket produced Life's first finalist of the day in #7 Diana Gonzalez, who advanced behind a tech fall and a tight 7-6 semifinal decision over #8 (117) Emma Jones of Indiana Tech. She finished as runner-up after facing Iowa's Nyla Valencia in the championship match, securing the team's second finals appearance.
Life's depth was showcased at 124 lbs, where the Running Eagles placed two wrestlers on the podium.
• #10 Anna Krejsa earned a third-place finish, piling up four pins throughout the day before closing with a 10-0 tech fall in an all-Life bronze match.
• Sidney Sullens battled through the backside for fourth, winning six matches that included three pins, an injury default, and two decision victories.
• Kennedy Russell added two wins, including a tech fall and a pin.
At 131 lbs, #3 Olivia Mottley secured a fourth-place finish following a day highlighted by two decision wins and a 10-0 tech fall in the consolation semifinal. Lexy Pabon placed sixth, recording a fall, a decision win, and a forfeit victory before injuries cut her run short. Tiyanna Mack contributed a tech fall victory as part of Life's overall success at the weight.
Life's strongest collective performance came at 138 lbs, where #1 Zaynah McBryde and Christina Jaen both made semifinal appearances before meeting again in the third-place match. McBryde fell just short of the championship bout after falling to Iowa's Skye Realin in the semifinal. The youngest McBryde still claimed the bronze with a 10-0 tech fall, finishing her day with two techs and strong wins throughout. Jaen placed fourth after stacking a tech fall and two pins earlier in the tournament.
Additional victories came from Alyssa Quezaire (103 lbs), who posted three consecutive consolation-round wins that included a tech fall and a mid-match pin; Narvena Sallom (180 lbs), who opened with a 10-0 tech fall; and Anetra Witherspoon (207 lbs), who placed sixth behind a fall and an 8-0 decision before closing her run in the placement rounds.
A full list of results can be found, here.
