Triton Women's Wrestling Captures NJCAA National Duals Title

For the second consecutive year the Triton Women's Wrestling team has captured the NJCAA Coaches Association Duals National Championship.

"I'm really proud of every athlete in our program. It took everyone to accomplish our goal," said Triton Head Coach, Zac Hensley. "This was our athletes' opportunity and they went out and fought and competed together as one."

The Tritons dominated in the pool round with wins over Murray State (38-16) and Big Bend (44-10). Entering the bracket round as the #1 seed, the #3 Tritons advanced to the finals with victories over #8 Southwestern Oregon (45-6) and #9 Snow (38-14). The finals would end in a dramatic 25-25 tie with #2 Southeast and the Tritons claiming the title on criteria following wins from Erica Pastoriza, Asia Jahangir, Annabelle Petsinger, Delise Villa, Valerie Hamilton and Allie Grow.

Individually, Erica Pastoriza led the way for the Tritons, going 5-0 in the tournament with Annabelle Petsinger (3-0), Asia Jahangir (3-0), Delise Villa (3-0), Valerie Hamilton (3-0), Ashlee Farrier (2-0), Jeream Estabilio (2-0), Molly Sek (2-0), Praizh Suggs (2-0), Germara Guillory (1-0), and Lucy Kohnen (1-0) all going undefeated. Destiny Krum (3-1), Harmoni Callins (3-1), Aaliyah Presley (2-1), Allie Grow (2-1), Damiyah Smith (2-1), Amaya Fairley Vasquez (1-1), Aneth Campos (1-1), and Kameyah Young (1-2) all contributed with victories. 

"A lot of our athletes stepped up one weight class, and some even two, to do what was best for our team and put us in the best position to get the job done," said Hensley. "I'm really proud of our athletes and staff and we couldn't do it without Triton Nation!

The Tritons are back in action on Saturday, January 31st at the Midland Open in Fremont, NE. First match is scheduled for 9:00 AM.

*Photo courtesy of Kendall Ryan