TIFFIN, Ohio — The West Liberty University women's wrestling team opened its 2026-27 season Sunday at the Tiffin University Open, with nine Hilltoppers competing across seven weight classes.

Aubrey Bartkowiak led the way with a sixth-place finish at 207 pounds, while Shaniah-Lee Ferreira added a seventh-place showing at 110 pounds.

Bartkowiak turned in an impressive run through the 207-pound championship bracket, recording three consecutive falls. She opened with a 2:02 pin of Allison Ott, followed with a 47-second fall against Destiny Marquez and then pinned Keyonna Vann in 46 seconds to advance to the semifinals. Bartkowiak's run toward the championship was stopped by Sandra Guerrero, who earned a fall at 1:54. Bartkowiak went on to finish sixth.

Ferreira also put together a strong tournament at 110 pounds, earning seventh place. She recorded victories over Haley Williams and Layken Lively in the championship bracket before moving into the consolation rounds. Ferreira continued to battle through the consolation draw and secured seventh place with a 12-10 decision in sudden victory over Fairmont State's Kenaya Mwehu.

At 124 pounds, Abby DiCenzo and Sienna Van Balen both represented the Hilltoppers. DiCenzo opened with a pin of Alexia Beadle in 5:12 and later added a technical-fall victory over Rodiat Adeduntan in the consolation bracket. She also competed against Cameron Leng and Avery Steldt before her tournament run came to an end. Van Balen faced a challenging draw, falling to Audrey Smith by a 10-3 decision before dropping a consolation match to Alexia Curtiss.

Bailey Emery competed at 138 pounds, opening with a close 4-2 decision against Lydia Alley. She continued into the consolation bracket, where she faced Brooke Butler before seeing her tournament come to a close.

Cailyn Caston represented West Liberty at 145 pounds, facing Nola Walker in the championship bracket and Jordan Milanowski in the consolation rounds.

The Hilltoppers had two wrestlers competing at 180 pounds. Jamie Shapton picked up a 5-2 decision over Kaylyn Lawson before dropping an 8-2 sudden-victory decision to Mia Gaetjens. Shapton continued in the consolation bracket, where she faced Saiheron Preciado-Meza. Hazuki Sykes opened her tournament with a victory by fall over Shanielah Kirk in 5:53. She then faced Maria Hiles in the championship bracket and Madison Ward in consolation competition.

Sydney Chambers rounded out the West Liberty lineup at 103 pounds, competing against Alexis Baumgartner in the championship bracket before continuing into consolation action against Jazmyne-Arietta Carranco.

West Liberty will return to the mat Friday, Nov. 6, for its first dual meet of the season when the Hilltoppers welcome Washington & Jefferson to the ASRC. The dual is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.




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.