Graceland Women’s Wrestling Falls to Central Methodist in Home Dual

LAMONI, Iowa — In a challenging dual against a strong Central Methodist University squad, the Graceland University Yellowjackets women's wrestling team fell 45-5 on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Morden Center. Despite the outcome, the Yellowjackets displayed determination in a series of contested matches across the NAIA weight classes.

The highlight of the night came at 145 pounds, where Virginia Myers secured Graceland's lone victory by fall at 1:46 over Central Methodist's Mina Himmel. The pin marked a key individual result for Myers, who capitalized on top position and near-fall exposure before securing the match-ending fall.

Central Methodist opened the dual with six consecutive victories, including four forfeits and two falls, building an early and commanding team score advantage. Graceland's Amaris Rivera took the mat at 117 pounds, but was defeated by fall at 1:21 by Ryleigh Page.

Graceland's Yanni Sanchez (160 pounds) and Amaris Rivera (117 pounds) both competed in regulation matches but were pinned. The remainder of the Yellowjackets' lineup was forced to forfeit, giving up bonus-point victories in multiple weight classes. The final tally saw Central Methodist earning nine of ten bout victories, with six wins by forfeit and three via fall.

"These are the kinds of matchups we need to grow," said head men's wrestling coach Evan Hansen. "We're proud of our athletes for stepping on the mat and competing, even when the odds are stacked. Our program is focused on progress, and results like these are just one part of the journey."

Graceland now turns its attention to one of the premier events on the collegiate wrestling calendar — the Conner/Oppenheim Doane Open. The Yellowjackets are scheduled to compete on Friday, Dec. 5, with action beginning at 9 a.m. CST inside Fuhrer Field House in Crete, Nebraska.

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