TIFFIN, Ohio — The No.14 West Liberty University women's wrestling team opened its 2025–26 season with an impressive showing at the Tiffin Open on Saturday, placing six wrestlers and showcasing early-season depth across multiple weight classes.

Leading the way for the Hilltoppers were Cassia Zammit (131 lbs.) and Makyah Newlun (160 lbs.), who each earned runner-up finishes in their respective brackets.

At 131 pounds, Zammit was dominant through the early rounds, opening her season with four consecutive bonus-point victories. She recorded a first-period pin in just 1:02 in her opening bout, then added back-to-back 10–0 technical falls before pinning Alexis Nicholas in just 50 seconds during the semifinals. In the championship match, Zammit came up just short, falling by pin at 5:41 to finish second.

At 160 pounds, Newlun also impressed with a strong run to the finals. After receiving an opening-round bye, she posted a technical fall (11–0), followed by a 38-second pin and another 10–0 technical fall in the semifinals. In the title bout, Newlun was edged by fall in the second period, finishing as runner-up.

Chiara Barbieri (103 lbs.) and Mariah Mills (110 lbs.) each earned third-place finishes while combining for an outstanding 13 wins and 10 bonus-point victories on the day.

Barbieri started strong with a 27-second pin and a 10–0 tech fall before a narrow quarterfinal loss. She battled through the consolation rounds with determination, winning five straight bouts — three by technical fall and two by pin — to secure third place.

Mills also turned in a dominant performance, winning four matches by bonus points. She recorded pins in 2:04 and 2:02, added two 10–0 tech falls, and earned a 5–3 decision in the semifinals before closing out her day with a commanding 10–0 technical fall in the third-place match.

At 124 pounds, Abby DiCenzo placed fifth, earning three early-round technical falls to reach the semifinals. After a pair of tough defeats, she rebounded in the fifth-place bout with another decisive 12–2 technical fall win.

At 160 pounds, Isabell Kessey joined Newlun on the podium, also finishing fifth. Kessey opened with two quick pins and added three more falls in the consolation rounds, closing with a 3:45 pin to claim fifth place.

Rounding out the Hilltopper placers, Jamie Shapton (207 lbs.) earned fifth place, rebounding from a second-round loss to record four straight technical falls and a final-round pin in 1:14 to secure her spot on the podium.

The Hilltoppers return to action next weekend when they travel to compete in the Adrian Duals and Adrian Invitational.