WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — With multiple nationally ranked wrestlers, a deep lineup and the opportunity to compete for the first Mountain East Conference women's wrestling championship, West Liberty University enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations.

The Hilltoppers were selected as the favorite in the inaugural MEC Women's Wrestling Preseason Poll, earning four of six first-place votes and 24 points. West Liberty has also earned recognition in both the HerMat and National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) preseason rankings.

Six Hilltoppers appear in HerMat's individual rankings, while three are ranked in the NWCA individual Coaches Poll. West Liberty also is ranked 15th in HerMat's tournament team rankings and 11th in its dual-team rankings, while the Hilltoppers are tied for 17th in the NWCA tournament team rankings with 14 points.

Now entering his third season as head coach, Troy Bell believes the combination of proven postseason performers, talented newcomers and depth throughout the lineup gives West Liberty the foundation to build on last season's success.
"I have high expectations for this team," Bell said. "We put the work in and that's what we expect."

Junior Cassia Zammit headlines the Hilltoppers' returning talent after making program history last season. Zammit finished fourth at 131 pounds at the 2025-26 National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships, becoming the first All-American in West Liberty women's wrestling history after entering the national tournament unseeded.

Zammit is ranked No. 3 at 131 pounds in both the HerMat and NWCA individual rankings. Bell said the goal for the returning All-American is to take the next step on the national stage.

"Top of the podium is the goal," Bell said.

Beyond her performance on the mat, Bell praised Zammit for the support she provides her teammates and the example she sets within the program.

"She gets just as happy for her teammates' success as her own," Bell said.

Zammit is joined in the NWCA individual Top 10 by Mariah Mills, ranked No. 8 at 124 pounds, and Tehana Savory, ranked No. 10 at 160 pounds. Mills is also ranked No. 11 by HerMat, while Savory is No. 16 in the HerMat rankings.

West Liberty's other HerMat-ranked wrestlers are Trinity Howard, No. 19 at 117 pounds; Lisa Pastoriza, No. 20 at 103 pounds; and Aubrey Bartkowiak, No. 20 at 207 pounds.

The collection of individual rankings reflects the talent Bell has assembled as the program enters its third season.

Howard returns as a national qualifier and one of the Hilltoppers' most experienced competitors. Having trained with Bell for several years, she has been part of the program's development and remains an important presence in the wrestling room.

Bell described Howard as the "pulse of the room," explaining that her competitive intensity sets the tone for those around her.

"The girls know when they grab a hold of her, they better start bringing it," Bell said.

That intensity carries into practice. Bell said he regularly works with Howard and Mills and sometimes has to remind them to dial back their effort during training sessions.

"I try to go in there and say, 'Hey, Trinity, let's go 50%,' but as soon as the whistle blows, she's full tilt," Bell said.

At 124 pounds, Mills gives West Liberty another nationally recognized competitor in a weight class Bell described as particularly deep. The competition for opportunities within the lineup should help push the Hilltoppers throughout the season.

Bell believes the depth also allows him to manage workloads during a schedule that includes demanding tournament weekends and multiple duals.

West Liberty's returning leaders will be joined by newcomers with impressive credentials.

Pastoriza, a transfer from Tiffin, brings national-level and international experience to the 103-pound division. Bell noted her background at Wyoming Seminary and her experience competing at a high level.

"She brings a lot of credentials," Bell said.

Savory also joins the Hilltoppers as a transfer with national tournament experience. Her addition gives West Liberty another experienced wrestler at 160 pounds, where she is ranked among the nation's top 10 by the NWCA.

At 207 pounds, Bartkowiak arrives with a championship résumé that includes a Fargo national title, two USA Folkstyle national championships and a state championship. Bell praised her experience against elite competition.

"She brings a lot of experience at the high level," Bell said.

Bartkowiak also benefits from having another experienced heavyweight in the room. Bell highlighted the value of having two wrestlers at 207 pounds who can provide one another with realistic training looks, something he said is not always available at other programs.

The incoming talent has helped create what Bell called one of the strongest recruiting classes of his collegiate women's coaching career.

While the individual rankings highlight West Liberty's top performers, Bell believes the team's depth could be just as important to its success.

The Hilltoppers return four national qualifiers: Zammit, Howard, Mills and Jamie Shapton. Shapton earned her place at nationals last season despite competing well below the 207-pound division at the regional tournament. Her perseverance provides another example of the experience and determination throughout the program.

Bell said having capable wrestlers throughout the lineup allows him to rotate competitors without a substantial drop in performance. That flexibility will be valuable during weekends that combine multiple duals with open tournaments.

"If I sit one of the starters out, there's not a big drop-off inserting somebody in," Bell said. "That's exciting, knowing that I can keep the team healthy and we can share the workload."

West Liberty's schedule includes the Adrian Duals on Nov. 14, followed by the Adrian Open on Nov. 15, giving the Hilltoppers an early opportunity to put that depth to use.

West Liberty's selection as the preseason favorite adds another milestone to the program's rapid development. Frostburg State was picked second in the inaugural MEC poll with 21 points, followed by Fairmont State with 16.

The new conference competition gives the Hilltoppers an opportunity to pursue a championship that will become part of MEC women's wrestling history.

Bell said his wrestlers were excited when the conference announced plans for its inaugural women's wrestling championship.

"Twenty years from now, that team that wins that first conference title is going to be remembered," Bell said.

He recognizes that being picked first brings added expectations, but wants the team to remain focused on the daily work that helped establish its reputation.

"If we're the measuring stick of the conference, then we've got to make sure we keep plugging away," Bell said.

The Hilltoppers finished 19th at the 2025-26 National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships. With six HerMat-ranked athletes, three NWCA individual Top 10 selections and a team ranked in both organizations' tournament polls, West Liberty enters the new season looking to turn its preseason recognition into postseason success.

West Liberty opens the 2026-27 campaign Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Tiffin Open in Tiffin, Ohio. The Hilltoppers return home Thursday, Nov. 6, to host Washington & Jefferson at 6:30 p.m. inside the Academic, Sports & Recreation Complex.

Other key dates include the Hilltopper Duals on Dec. 20 and the West Virginia State Invitational on Jan. 3. West Liberty will compete at the NWCA National Duals Jan. 8-9 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, before traveling to face Grand Valley State on Jan. 24 in Allendale, Michigan.

The postseason includes the NCAA Women's Wrestling Super Regional Feb. 19-20, followed by the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships March 5-6 in Coralville, Iowa.

With nationally ranked standouts, experienced returners and depth throughout the lineup, the Hilltoppers begin their third season aiming to continue the program's rise and contend for the inaugural MEC women's wrestling championship.




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.