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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
GU Women's Wrestling Delivers Statement Performance at Conner Oppenheim Open

GU Women's Wrestling Delivers Statement Performance at Conner Oppenheim Open

Results

CRETE, Neb. — The Graceland University women's wrestling team turned in a strong showing at the prestigious Conner Oppenheim Open, hosted by Doane College on Sunday, as three Yellowjackets secured multiple wins in a day of high-intensity, NAIA-sanctioned competition.

Virginia Myers (145 pounds), Yanni Sanchez (160 pounds), and Amaris Rivera (117 pounds) each contributed significant results against top-tier opponents, as the Yellowjackets continued their competitive campaign through the 2025 season.

Myers, competing at 145 pounds, secured two falls in under three minutes across her bracket. She opened the tournament with a :37 second fall over Jeslyn Ledezma (Westcliff). After dropping her second bout by technical fall (16-6, 4:21) to Madison Davis of York University, Myers received a bye in the consolation bracket and returned to form with a 2:05 pin over Haley Sheppard (Friends University).

Sanchez, wrestling at 160 pounds, compiled a 5-1 record, including three bonus-point victories. After an opening bye, she pinned Jaidyn Clinton (Missouri Valley) in 2:03. She followed with a 13-6 decision over Naomi Templeman (William Penn) and a 10-0 technical fall over Anyia Roberts (Southeast CC). After a semifinal loss, Sanchez rebounded with a fall over Mya Willis (4:09) and finished strong in the third-place match with a 5-0 decision over Kylee Eastwood (William Penn).

At 117 pounds, Amaris Rivera opened her tournament with a 10-4 decision over Rebekah Anderson (Dickinson State). After a bye in the consolation bracket, Rivera advanced past Ka'aulani Hew-Len (University of Saint Mary) via injury default, then picked up back-to-back falls over Ashley Gonzalez Escalante (1:23) and Bettie Chambers (5:51). Rivera closed the day with a 3-2 record.

"We're seeing growth and consistency in key positions," said head men's wrestling coach Evan Hansen, who traveled with the team as support staff. "Yanni showed real composure on the backside of the bracket, Virginia got back to bonus-point wrestling, and Amaris capitalized late in multiple matches. This team continues to take steps in the right direction."

Across all brackets, Graceland wrestlers combined for six wins by fall, two technical falls, and three decisions, continuing the program's upward trajectory under second-year leadership.

The Conner Oppenheim Open featured programs from across the NAIA, NCCAA, and junior college levels, providing a high-caliber test ahead of winter break.

Next up, the Yellowjackets will face their biggest test of the year at the Avila Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. CST on Sunday, Dec. 14, inside Mabee Fieldhouse.

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

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