ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Colorado Mesa women's wrestling team closed out the Women's West Coast Tournament of Champions on Saturday (Dec. 18) evening. The Mavericks had a total of 12 who placed in the top eight of the tournament including four that finished in the top four.
True freshman
Claire DiCugno continued her great start to her first collegiate season. DiCugno claimed her third open championship on Saturday with a win over Victoria Baez-Dillone of Umpqua CC 4-3 in the 130 pound championship bout. The win atoned for a loss yesterday during the dual portion of the weekend. The championship moves DiCugno's record to 18-2 on the year.
The Lake Tapps, Wash. native opened the tournament with a 10-0 technical fall win over Ann Rodriquez of Big Bend followed by a 10-0 technical fall of Sophie Keefer of Southern Oregon in the quarterfinals. DiCugno headed to the finals after a 12-1 tech fall of Jordynn Robson of Southern Oregon in the semis.
Anja Tschohl placed second at 116 pounds after falling in the championship bout to Tara Othman of Southern Oregon 14-6. Tschohl opened the tournament with a 6-3 decision victory over Barbara Greenberg of Menlo followed by a 10-0 tech fall win over Mia Bonotan of Southern Oregon.
In the semifinals, the Andover, Kan. native earned a 10-7 decsion victory over Carolina Johnson of Southern Oregon.
Marissa Gallegos fell to Karla Godinez-Gonzalez of Simon Fraser 7-1 in the final at 123 pounds. Godinez-Gonzalez, the No. 1 ranked 116-pounder in the NCAA rankings, scored three different takedowns in the bout en route to the win.
Gallegos had a pin and pair of technical falls on her way to the championship bout. She earned a 42 second pin over Chloe Espericueta of Bakersfield followed by a 15-2 technical fall win over Jaquelin Negrete-Morales. In the semifinals, she defeated Carolina Moreno of Southern Oregon by tech fall 12-1.
Lizzie Miller placed fourth in the same 123-pound weight class after going 3-2 on the day. Miller reached the semifinals before falling to Godinez-Gonzalez then to Carolina Moreno for third place.
Colorado Mesa will be off until they hit the road to one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. The Mavericks will compete in the Midlands Championships on December 30 in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The top rated men's tournament is adding a women's section for the first time ever and the Mavericks will be a part of it.
