Greensboro, NC – The Southern Virginia University women's wrestling team competed at the Greensboro Invitational on Tuesday, showcasing their growth and skill against a small but competitive tournament, featured teams from Randolph and Greensboro College.
Reflecting on the event, Head Coach
Jessica Casperson stated, "This was a foundational tournament for our future conference. Though small, it was a great opportunity to see how we stack up against Randolph and Greensboro. I'm proud of how our team competed and the progress we continue to make as a program."
Tournament Highlights:
110 lbs:
Dusti Casperson took 1st place, continuing her dominant performances this season.
124 lbs: Southern Virginia excelled with
Makenna Dolt earning 2nd,
Seani Casperson placing 3rd, and
Sadie Allred finishing 4th.
131 lbs: The Knights swept the podium with
Alyssa Pace taking 1st,
Andrea Castro finishing 2nd, and
Leigh-Anne Verburg securing 3rd.
160 lbs:
Avari Johnson claimed 1st place, while
Eve Beckstead finished in 4th.
Historic Rankings:
In a groundbreaking achievement, Southern Virginia women's wrestling is now nationally ranked, tied for 26th in the country according to the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) poll. Individually, Avari Johnson is ranked 10th nationally and 3rd regionally at 160 lbs. Additional regional rankings include Alyssa Pace (131 lbs) and Gracie Blake (145 lbs), both ranked 5th in their respective weight classes.
Casperson shared her thoughts on this milestone, stating, "This is a historic moment for our program. To see our team and individuals recognized on a national and regional level is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are just getting started."
The Knights' camaraderie and competitive spirit were evident throughout the tournament. Casperson added, "Our ladies wrestled with heart and unity, displaying both skill and sportsmanship. They continue to push themselves to new heights while lifting each other up in the process."
For updates on the Knights' progress, follow @knightwwrestling on Instagram or visit knightathletics.com