Triumphant Day One Unfolds at the Soldier Salute – Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics

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CORALVILLE, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s wrestling squad had a remarkable start on the first day of the Soldier Salute on Sunday at Xtream Arena, with 19 competitors progressing to day two. The Hawkeyes currently hold the top position in the team rankings with 45 points.

In Session I, the Hawkeyes achieved a record of 14-3 with four falls, seven technical falls, and three decisions. Cali Leng (124), Lilly Luft (138), and Cadence Diduch (138) progressed to the quarterfinals. Luft marked her seasonal debut with a 5-2 decision against Michaela Rankin from Brock University. By the end of Session I, the Hawkeyes were leading the team competition with 14 points.

The Hawkeyes posted a score of 30-7 in Session II with 12 falls, 13 technical falls, and five decisions. Leng advanced to the semifinals with a thrilling 14-11 comeback victory over Anna Krejsa of Life University. Diduch also made it into the semifinals after a 10-0 technical fall against Esperanza Almazan from William Penn.

Ranked second Sterling Dias finished 2-1 in pool play at 103 pounds, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. At 110 pounds, Valarie Solorio, No. 2 Ava Bayless, and No. 5 Emilie Gonzalez all went undefeated in pool play to advance to the quarterfinals. Top-ranked Brianna Gonzalez achieved three victories in pool play to qualify for the quarterfinals at 117 pounds.

Allie Baudhuin maintained an unbeaten record of 3-0, while Emily Frost went 2-0 in pool play, both reaching the quarterfinals at 131 pounds. The top-ranked Reese Larramendy and third-ranked Macey Kilty both stayed undefeated in pool play, advancing to the 145-pound quarterfinals. At 160 pounds, the second-ranked Kennedy Blades recorded two technical falls in pool play to move on to the quarterfinals. No. 1 Kylie Welker went 3-0, while No. 7 Naomi Simon posted a 2-0 record in pool play, earning spots in the quarterfinals at 180 pounds. In the 207-pound category, all four Hawkeye wrestlers made it to the quarterfinals, including top-ranked Jaycee Foeller, fifth-ranked Alivia White, Katja Osteen, and Sam Calkins.

Ava Rose and Mia Goodwin (Unattached) are still in contention in wrestlebacks at 124 pounds.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH CLARISSA CHUN
“The Soldier Salute is a highly competitive tournament every year, presenting excellent opportunities for our team. It’s wonderful for our squad to receive the support of the fans being so nearby. The team draws energy from this, which was evident in today’s performances. We had numerous high-caliber matches, and I’m eager to see how we conclude the tournament tomorrow.”

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes are set to conclude their participation at the Soldier Salute on Monday. Session III commences at 11 a.m., followed by Session IV at 5 p.m. All matches will be live-streamed on B1G+ (subscription needed).

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