Mount Olive, N.C. - Southern Virginia University's women's wrestling team kicked off their season at the Trojan Open, a challenging tournament that drew teams from multiple divisions. For many of the Knights, this was their first collegiate tournament, and they stepped up against strong competition.
Highlights by Weight Class:
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110 lbs: Dusti Casperson began with a decisive tech fall victory in her opening match, advancing confidently. Her journey through the bracket came to an end after two challenging matches by fall, ultimately finishing the day 1-2.
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124 lbs: Seani Casperson made her collegiate debut with a strong effort, while Andrea Castro rebounded from an early tech fall loss to secure a first-round pin in the consolation bracket before a hard-fought third-round fall. Sadie Allred, after an opening loss, advanced through a bye but was stopped by a tech fall in the third round. Makenna Dolt showed impressive resilience, bouncing back from an initial loss to secure back-to-back pins, making it to the consolation semifinals before being eliminated by fall, finishing 3-2.
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131 lbs: Leigh-Anne Verburg faced tough competition, ending her matches by tech fall but gaining valuable experience. Alyssa Pace rebounded from an early loss, scoring a 10-0 tech fall in the consolation bracket. She fought hard in the next round but was stopped by a 12-2 tech fall.
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138 lbs and 160 lbs: Gracie Blake and Eve Beckstead both showed grit and composure against seasoned opponents, gaining crucial experience. In the 160 lbs weight class, Avari Johnson stood out with an impressive 4-1 record. Johnson advanced to the championship match with three pins before ultimately finishing second.
The Knights placed 9th out of 26 teams in total match points (84 points) and 8th for pins and tech falls in the least time, highlighting both their skill and tenacity. Coach Jessica Casperson reflected on the tournament: "We had a successful first tournament! Our returners, like Dusti Casperson and Makenna Dolt, led our team through a tough day. Our newcomers showed great promise, and Avari Johnson's second-place finish was especially impressive."
Additional Highlights:
The Lady Knights achieved personal and team goals, with wrestlers noting their high points. Sadie Allred said, "Everyone did so great, and it was amazing to be part of my first tournament ever!" Andrea Castro celebrated the team's unity, adding, "I loved how supportive everyone was; seeing teammates leave everything on the mat was inspiring." Makenna Dolt shared, "I was more aggressive than usual and secured two pins."
The Knights will carry the lessons from this event as they prepare for their next competition, the Eagle Madness at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, on November 8. For the latest updates, follow @knightwwrestling on Instagram or visit knightathletics.com.
