CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the third time this season, the No. 3 Southern Oregon University women's wrestling team was named the Under Armour Team of the Week for Jan. 30 – Feb. 5, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Sunday.
It was a packed week for the team as they first faced No. 15 Eastern Oregon University in a Wednesday night dual. Because of the lack of depth in the Mountaineers' lineup, the Raiders were able to compete without any regular starters and still uphold their perfect dual record at 7-0. At 109 pounds, Villianueva handled No. 17-ranked Stephanie Blankenship in a 12-2 upset by technical fall. And at 130, Lopez pinned Madelyn Mazemke 41 seconds into the match. Jordynn Robson (130) and Averie Stockwell (155) added a team point apiece by scoring in their losses by technical fall.
With the top individuals rested, they were able to perform perfectly at the Grand View Open this weekend. Esthela Trevino, ranked No. 3 in the NAIA at 101, took down No. 2 Erin Hikiji of Providence (Mont.) by 10-6 decision in her final to lead to a title. Carolina Moreno, the top-ranked defending NAIA champion at 123, defended her billing with five wins, including a 5-0 decision over Grand View (Iowa)'s No. 4 Catharine Campbell in the championship. Joye Levendusky, ranked No. 2 at 170, had a dominant day that she finished with a 10-3 decision against GVU's No. 6 Shenita Lawson to help secure a title as well.
Eight of SOU's 14 participants placed among the top-five in their respective weight classes and three grabbed championship titles. The Raiders will be at home next weekend for their last competition before the conference tournament, facing No. 7 University of Providence.