By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
Marietta, Ga. -- Fresh off national championship performances at the NWCA National Duals, Life University and North Central squared off in a marquee showdown between reigning champions during FloWrestling's Night in America. Life entered the dual having captured its third consecutive NAIA National Duals title, while North Central claimed the NCAA All-Division championship, setting the stage for a high-level clash between two of the nation's premier programs.
North Central struck first at 103 pounds, where seventh-ranked Madison Avila earned a 10–0 technical fall over Alyssa Quezaire to put the Cardinals on the board. At 110 pounds, fourth-ranked Kaelani Shufeldt followed with a 13–2 technical fall over eighth-ranked Diana Gonzalez, extending the early lead.
Life University responded at 117 pounds behind second-ranked Salyna Shotwell, who delivered the Running Eagles' first points of the night with an 8–1 decision over Mikayla Garcia. At 124 pounds, fifth-ranked Anna Krejsa faced third-ranked Sara Sterner, with Sterner earning a 10–0 technical fall to extend North Central's lead. The Running Eagles fought back at 131 pounds with top-ranked Sarah Savidge battling ninth-ranked Yele Aycock, falling just short in a 4-4 battle due to criteria.
North Central then remained in control at 138 pounds, as Claire DiCugno recorded an 11–0 technical fall over Olivia Mottley, who bumped up a weight class in the match.
The Cardinals then continued their run at 145 pounds, where top-ranked Bella Mir secured an 8–2 decision over third-ranked Jamilah McBryde, sending the dual into the final three weights with North Central holding a 23–6 advantage.
The Running Eagles then finished the night strong, claiming victories in two of the final three bouts. At 160 pounds, top-ranked Latifah McBryde showcased her dominance with an 11–5 decision over eighth-ranked Taylor Graveman. Second-ranked Reka Busa then followed at 180 pounds with a hard-fought 2–2 criteria win over fourth-ranked Shenita Lawson.
The dual concluded at 207 pounds, where third-ranked Caroline Ward earned a 6–1 decision over fifth-ranked Madeline Welch to seal the 28–13 result.
