FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The West Liberty University women's wrestling team delivered a strong overall performance at the Indiana Tech Warrior Open, producing multiple podium finishes, deep consolation runs, and a number of bonus-point victories against a large and competitive field.
The Hilltoppers were led by runner-up finishes from Cassia Zammit (131) and Skyelar Smith (138), while several others added top-five placements to bolster West Liberty's team effort.
Zammit put together an impressive tournament at 131 pounds, advancing to the championship bout with two pins and a semifinal decision before finishing second overall. Smith matched that effort at 138, rolling through the bracket with a first-round pin and three wins to reach the finals.
West Liberty added several fourth- and fifth-place finishes throughout the lineup. Makyah Newlun (160) enjoyed one of the team's most productive consolation runs, stringing together multiple pins and technical falls on her way to a fourth-place finish. Grace O'Korn (145) also placed fourth after rebounding from an early setback with a tech fall, a decision, and a pin in consolation action.
At the lower and middle weights, Trinity Howard (117) placed fifth after advancing to the semifinals with a decision and a technical fall, while Mariah Mills (124) finished fourth following a quarterfinal win and a close third-place bout. Janiya Brogan (180) and Jamie Shapton (207) each placed fifth, combining for multiple wins on the back side of the bracket.
Additional point scorers included Jeulenea Khang (110), who placed eighth, and Bailey Emery (131) and Sydney Chambers (103), who both picked up key wins in their respective brackets. West Liberty also earned valuable team points in the pancake and hard-luck divisions, highlighted by second-place finishes from Nila Bland and Sienna Van Balen, along with a runner-up result from Jillian Timberlake.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
