Women’s Wrestling Earns Title, Multiple Podium Finishes at Avila Eagle Open
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — December 14, 2025 — The Graceland University women's wrestling team capped its final event before the holiday break with a strong showing at the Avila University Eagle Women's Open, held Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. The Yellowjackets secured one tournament championship and multiple top-five finishes as several individuals advanced deep into their respective brackets.
Headlining the effort was Yanni Sanchez, who went unbeaten to claim the 160-pound title behind a combination of technical superiority and control on the mat. The tournament featured top talent from NAIA and regional institutions, and Graceland proved its development across multiple weight classes.
"We're seeing this team take real steps forward," said Graceland Head Coach Evan Hansen. "Yanni's performance speaks for itself, but what stood out to me was the toughness across the board — they're competing through every position and trusting their technique."
160 – Sanchez Claims Championship with Unbeaten Run
Yanni Sanchez dominated the 160-pound bracket, going 4-0 on the day. After receiving a bye in the opening round, she advanced with an 11-2 decision over Addyson Pasley (William Woods) in the second round. Sanchez followed with an 11-0 technical fall against Maya Bennett (Unattached) in the quarterfinals before defeating host school Avila's Amitria McNack via 9-3 decision in the semifinal.
She capped her tournament by blanking Kaylee Davis (Murray State) with a 10-0 technical fall in 4:48, securing the individual title and anchoring the Yellowjackets' overall team success.
117 – Rivera Places Fifth
At 117 pounds, Amaris Rivera battled her way to a fifth-place finish. After receiving a first-round bye, she advanced to the semifinals with a fall in 3:49 over Mckenzy Mason (Unattached). Rivera was defeated in back-to-back technical falls by eventual finalist Sigrun Metzger (Ottawa University) and Gabrielle Hampton (Fort Hays State), respectively.
Rivera ended her day on a high note with a 13-2 technical fall over Andie Wallace (Murray State) in the fifth-place bout.
138 – Basaldua Reaches Consolation Third Round
Ilee Basaldua opened her tournament with a technical fall (12-1) over Jazrine Nieto (Colby Community College) in just over three minutes. She was then pinned in the quarterfinals by Teani Medeiros-Maielua (William Woods) but responded with a 14-2 technical fall in the consolation bracket against Gretchen Marriott (William Woods).
Basaldua's tournament concluded in the third round of consolations after she was pinned by Alexis Schmotzer (McMurry) at 2:44.
145 – Myers Picks Up Fall in Consolation Round
Virginia Myers competed at 145 pounds, going 1-2 with a standout performance in the wrestlebacks. After being pinned in her opening match, Myers responded quickly in the consolation bracket with a 15-second fall over McKenzie Tollefson (Upper Iowa), one of the fastest falls recorded on the day. She was eliminated in the next round via 13-3 technical fall to Katie Davidson (Unattached).
Next Up
The Graceland women's wrestling team will now break for the holidays before returning to action on Tuesday, January 13, at the William Penn Dual. The meet is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. CST inside the Penn Activity Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland Women's Wrestling and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.