The Otterbein women’s wrestling team hosted the first ever women's wrestling match in Central Ohio in their dual meet with fellow Ohio Athletic Conference rival John Carroll University on Jan. 28.
The stands were packed with various fans in attendance, from Otterbein athletes, friends and families, to local high schools bringing their teams to witness the historical night.
First-year special education major Logan Gardner says that he was excited about attending the match.
“It’s great to see women’s wrestling getting attraction and to see the support from everyone else is amazing," Gardner said.
Coming into their match against John Carroll, Otterbein held a 7-7 record, with Olivia Shore ranking No. 1 nationally in the 103-pound weight class in the rankings from The Open Mat.
Shore captured the weight class title in the 103 with a 1:02 pin in the championship match. She is now 15-1 on the season and it is her third time finishing in the top three in a tournament.
Other top performers were first-year Grace Murphy with a sixth place finish and first-year Hailey Hatfield going 2-2.
The Cardinals ultimately lost the match 25-24, as they were up 20-0 to start until the Blue Streaks went on a tear to take the lead 25-20.
Despite the loss, the team has gained valuable experience throughout the entire season and have had even better chemistry week by week.
Marvet Hejazin, a sophomore majoring in journalism and media communications, says that the team has been continuing to bond in their inaugural season.
“Although our team is more on the younger side, everyone gets along very well and has had a great time adjusting to the college life,” Hejazin said.
The team just finished up the regular season, as they headed to Rock Island, Illinois for the Quad Cities D3 invite, where they finished 11th of 31 teams.
Next up for the Cardinals is the NCWWC (National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships) Regional Championship, which will be held at Tiffin University on Feb. 22.
The team will battle tough competition, but they are up for the challenge.
“I think the future of the program is only going to go up from here,” Hejazin said. “At practice everyone gives 100% and wants to get better.”
