WICHITA, Kan. – The Colorado Mesa women's wrestling team opened the season at the Falcon Invite on Saturday (Nov. 6) hosted by Friends University. The Mavericks had 21 wrestlers open their season in the open and came away three top four finishes.
 
"Not a bad day overall," head coach Travis Mercado said of the opening day performance. "Lots of wrestling and a lot of matches for our younger girls."
 
Marissa Gallegos claimed the 123-pound title after nearly tech falling her way through the tournament. She defeated Ashley Whetzal of Lyon 12-1 in the final and finished with a 5-0 record. Her toughest match came in the semifinals where she defeated teammate Lizzie Miller 7-2.
 
The Mavericks flexed their muscles at 123 pounds as they had three of the four semifinalists. Both Miller (3-1) and Lillian Broaderick (3-2) reached the semifinals and finished with solid results.
 
At 143 pounds, Kaylee Haynes (Lacy) placed third after reaching the semifinals. Haynes fell to Missouri Baptist's Heather Acterberg in the semifinals after three straight pins to open the season. She got another as time expired in her lone consolation matchup.
 
Alex Brulotte finished in fourth place at 170 pounds after reaching the match limit of five during the tournament. The Ferndale, Wash. native wasn't allowed to contest for third-place and finished the day with a 6-1 record (two forfeits).
 
The Mavericks will return home and host the Maverick Open on Saturday in Brownson Arena followed by a dual against Dixie State on Sunday at 12pm.