Three Graceland Women's Grapplers Battle At Mo Valley Open

LAMONI, Iowa — Three Graceland University women's wrestlers competed this weekend at the Missouri Valley Open, gaining valuable mat time and experience in a highly competitive early-season test. Despite facing seasoned opposition, each Yellowjacket showed technical development and persistence on the mat.

Amaris Rivera (117 lbs), a high school freshman competing at the collegiate level, opened her tournament against Alexandra Waltsman of William Jewell, dropping the bout by fall at 36 seconds. Rivera was eliminated in the next round following a 5-0 decision loss to Audrey Smith of Lindsey Wilson.

At 145 lbs, Virginia Myers delivered the Yellowjackets' lone win of the event, earning a fall in just 43 seconds over Ryan Garthoeffner of Lindenwood University. Myers advanced to face Allison King of the University of St. Mary, falling at 2:14. She closed out her bracket with a loss by fall at 1:08 to Urlah Peters-Gutierrez of Montreat College.

Yanni Sanchez (160 lbs) also made her debut for Graceland, suffering consecutive falls to Kylee Talt of Campbellsville (0:42) and Vida Beckel of Emmanuel University (0:54), respectively. While both matches were short, Sanchez gained exposure to championship-level pace and pressure.

Head men's coach Evan Hansen, who has assisted in the development of the women's team this fall, emphasized the value of this experience for a developing squad:\

"Our women showed courage stepping into some very deep brackets. Every time they compete, they grow. We're laying the foundation right now — and that matters as much as the scoreboard," Hansen said.

The Yellowjackets, competing in just their second full season of women's wrestling, continue to build toward future success by emphasizing positional drilling, chain wrestling, and shot defense — fundamentals that head coach Taylor Black is instilling in the program's early years.

Graceland's entries faced opponents from a mix of NAIA, NCAA, and regional powerhouse programs, many with national ranking credentials or returning All-Americans. Despite the challenging draw, the team maintained competitive spirit and exhibited strong mat awareness in opening periods.

Next up for Graceland is a dual meet against Central Methodist University on Tuesday, Dec. 2, with action scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CST inside the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland women's wrestling and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com