By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
HUNTINGTON, Ala. — The Life University women's wrestling team put together a strong showing at the Red Lady Open on Sunday, highlighted by an individual championship, a runner-up finish, and multiple podium performances across a competitive open field.
At 124 pounds, Kennedy Russell led the way for the Running Eagles with a dominant championship run. Russell opened the tournament with a 10–0 technical fall over Chloe Parets (Huntingdon), followed by a first-period pin against Trinity Halls (Newberry) in the quarterfinals. She edged Kara-lynn Dover (Roundtree Wrestling Academy) by decision in the semifinals before sealing the title with a quick fall at 0:45 over Ayonna McNeil (Mount Olive) in the championship bout, finishing the day with 20.5 team points.
Life added a runner-up finish at 131 pounds behind Tiyanna Mack, who powered her way to the finals with three consecutive technical falls. Mack earned bonus-point wins over Svala Starcher (Schreiner), Sophia Chervenak (unattached), and Evelyn Holmes-Smith (Emmanuel Unattached) before dropping a narrow 6–5 decision to Kassey Daugherty (Presbyterian) in the title match.
Also at 131 pounds, Jordyn Chrisco turned in a seventh-place finish that included three victories. Chrisco notched a decision win early before rebounding in the consolation rounds with two falls, including a pin in the seventh-place match. Teammate Morgan Sacharczyk added valuable points in the same weight class, picking up a consolation-round fall before being eliminated.
At 103 pounds, Macie Anderson battled back through the consolation bracket to earn a fifth-place finish. After an opening-round loss, Anderson recorded two falls in the wrestlebacks and secured fifth place via forfeit, totaling 13.5 team points.
Life also placed Megan Stottsberry at 160 pounds, where she finished fourth after opening with a fall and a technical fall. Stottsberry added another tech fall in the consolation semifinals before falling in the third-place match.
Additional contributions came from Kinley Wallace (160), Anetra Witherspoon (180), and Maria Graves (124), each gaining match experience in a deep field.
With a championship performance from Russell, a finals appearance by Mack, and multiple wrestlers reaching the podium, Life University showcased its depth and continued development as the Running Eagles build momentum moving forward in the season.
