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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Basaldua Becomes Graceland’s First Women’s Wrestler at Luther Hill/Simpson Open

Basaldua Becomes Graceland’s First Women’s Wrestler at Luther Hill/Simpson Open

Results

INDIANOLA, Iowa — History was made this weekend as Ilee Basaldua became the first-ever female wrestler to compete for Graceland University, representing the Yellowjackets at the Luther Hill/Simpson College Open on Saturday. Competing in the 138-pound bracket, Basaldua posted a 3-2 record, including two technical fall victories, in her collegiate debut.

While Basaldua did not place in the tournament, her performance marks a landmark moment in the history of Graceland Athletics, officially launching the program's participation in NAIA women's wrestling competition.

"This is a special milestone for Graceland," said head coach Evan Hansen. "Ilee showed she's ready to compete and grow at this level. It's about more than results — she's paving the way for the future of women's wrestling at GU."

Basaldua opened the day advancing through her first match by bye, before facing Adrienna Turner of Grand View University (GVU). Turner, a nationally recognized competitor, pinned Basaldua at the 0:59 mark. Rebounding from the loss, Basaldua responded with two dominant technical fall wins — 11-1 over Abby Rhodes of Quincy University (QU) and 10-0 over Emily Hibner of Waldorf University (WU), finishing those bouts in 2:37 and 1:52, respectively.

In her fifth and final match, Basaldua was defeated by fall at 0:28 against Zalnab Ibrahim of William Jewell College (WJ), concluding her bracket run at 3-2.

Basaldua's appearance not only set a new precedent for women's wrestling at Graceland but also symbolized the program's commitment to growth in women's collegiate athletics. As the Yellowjackets continue building their roster, her participation marks the first step in establishing a competitive and sustainable program within the Heart of America Athletic Conference and the NAIA.

There are no team records yet for the Yellowjackets or opponents, as the season is just underway.

The Yellowjackets' women's wrestling program returns to action on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 3:00 p.m. CST in a dual meet against St. Mary at Ryan Sports Arena in Leavenworth, Kansas.

For more information on Graceland Wrestling and all Graceland Athletics, visit GUjackets.com.