Martinez, Nguyen-Smith Impress at NWCA Duals

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Emmanuel Results
Limestone Results
Gannon Results

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2020) – Competing in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals in Louisville, the North Central College women’s wrestling team came away with one victory in a loaded NCAA women’s field.

The Cardinals faced No.4th-ranked Emmanuel College (Ga.) in their first dual and took the Lions down to the wire, but came up one point short as they fell 23-22. Amanda Martinez notched North Central’s first win as she won the 130-pound contest via a 9-5 decision. Keeping the momentum on the Cardinals’ side was Asia Nguyen-Smith (136) who earned an 11-0 tech fall victory over Passion Hollins. Following a forfeit loss, the Cardinals rattled off three-straight wins as Kim Nunez (155) and Yelena Makoyed (191) each earned tech falls while Malea Palahniuk won via forfeit at 170-pounds, but it wasn’t enough as Emmanuel would win the dual.

In their next dual meet, North Central took on Limestone College (S.C.) in the consolation bracket. Following a forfeit loss at the 101-pound division, Angelina Graff (109) and Abby Eisenbeis (116) got the Cardinals back on track as they each earned victories to give North Central a 7-6 lead. Limestone earned five points via forfeit at the 123-pound weight class but both Nguyen-Smith (130) and Martinez (136) pinned their opponents in under one minute to give the Cardinals their lead back. Nunez earned a forfeit win at 170-pounds while Makoyed earned her second tech fall win of the day to give North Central a 26-16 win over Limestone.

In the second round of the consolation bracket, North Central would compete against Gannon University (Pa.). The Golden Knights and Cardinals shared win via forfeits at the 101 and 109-pound weight classes to push the score to 5-5. At the 116-pound division, Mikayla Vega took down Eisenbeis to give Gannon the lead. Following a Cardinal forfeit, Nguyen-Smith (130) won her third match of the day as she won via tech fall over her Golden Knight opponent. Martinez (136) also won her third contest of the day by defeating Gabrielle Malinowski via a 10-0 tech fall. Gannon would go on to win the final four matches and win the dual, 32-15.

North Central is idle until Feb. 8th when they head to the McKendree University Bearcat Open. The event is set to begin at 9:00 am and will take place in the Melvin Price Convocation Center.

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