19th-ranked Wildcats couldn’t get momentum against 4th-ranked Cardinals
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The No. 19 Northern Michigan women’s wrestling team opened its 2026-27 campaign on Monday, hosting No. 4 North Central College in a top-20 season-opening dual. The Cardinals came away with a 31-11 victory over the Wildcats.
Northern Michigan got off to a strong start at 103 pounds, where Lillee Denson earned a 12-1 technical fall over Zurri Zamora to give the Wildcats an early 4-1 lead.
North Central had a forfeit victory at 110 pounds before picking up two decision wins at 117 and 124 pounds. Mikayla Garcia picked up a 6-6 decision over Cheyenne Frank, while Bella Bolek followed with a 5-3 decision over Kandice Spry to extend the Cardinals’ advantage to 12-6.
The Cardinals continued to stretch their advantage as Qureshi earned a fall over Zhivanna Magdaleno at 131 pounds, Grace Stem recorded a 10-0 technical fall against Youstina Hanna at 138, and sixth-ranked Taylor Graveman added a 17-7 technical fall over Belicia Manuel at 145.
Northern Michigan answered at 160 pounds, where nationally No. 7 Sophia Bassino earned an 8-0 decision over Elizabeth Rosenstiel. Jael Miller added another victory for the Cardinals at 180 pounds, defeating Kanata Richardson by decision, before third-ranked Caroline Ward closed out the dual with a 2-1 decision over Mickaela Keane at 207 pounds.
Up Next
The Wildcats will head to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to compete in the Pointer Open on Saturday, November 7.
