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The top-ranked NAIA Menlo women’s wrestling team (ranked 6th in the WCWA) took a big step forward Wednesday with its 34-11 dual-meet victory over visiting NCAA Division II Emmanuel College. The Lions came in ranked fourth in the WCWA.
The Oaks (2-0) won eight of 10 matches in delivering a strong statement to the rest of the women’s wrestling community. Menlo is for real.
Half of Menlo’s victories were by technical fall or pin, highlighted by an early pin from freshman Alleida Martinez at 109 pounds. The NAIA’s top-ranked wrestler in her weight class, Martinez pinned Clare Garcia of the Lions in 1:50.
That’s nothing new for the Selma High grad. She won the 111-pound division at last season’s California state meet, recording a pin the first period.
Fellow Selma grad and current freshman Gracie Figueroa, also No. 1 in her division, took care of business in the 116 match, defeating seventh-ranked Kacey Baynon, 10-0.
Figueroa won the state title at 121 pounds last season with a 9-0 decision in the title match.
The Oaks ended the evening on a high note, with a pair of blowout victories. Precious Bell, ranked first in the NAIA, dominated Felicity Bryant to a 12-1 tech fall victory. Emily Sandoval followed suit, ranked fourth in the WCWA and didn’t let Mia Leon score in a 10-0 tech fall.
The highlight was the 155 match, featuring Iman Kazem (first in the NAIA) and Hannah Gladden (second in the WCWA). The two traded points via takedowns until the final minutes, with Gladden in position to win the match, having a 9-6 advantage on a late takedown.
With five seconds left, Gladden backed off, and Kazem went down low quickly and upended Gladden to earn a four-point takedown as the horn sounded. Haynes-Prim Pavilion erupted as Kazem earned a 10-9 victory, which clinched the victory.
Other Oaks to pick up victories on the night were Hiba Salem (10-4 over Angelina Gomez), Tiana Jackson (10-3 over Alexandra Herle) and Shelly Avelino (16-8 over Caitlin Cardenas).
The Oaks take the momentum to the West Coast Tournament of Champions. The event will begin at 9 am in Rocklin, and the Oaks will see several of the top teams in the nation, including Simon Fraser and Emmanuel.
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