Mount Olive Women’s Wrestling Sits Third After Day One of NCAA Women’s Wrestling Regional #3

FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. — The University of Mount Olive women's wrestling team delivered a strong showing on day one of the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Regional #3, hosted by Emmanuel University on Friday in Franklin Springs, Ga. The Trojans ended the opening day in third place with 62.5 points, placing five wrestlers into the championship semifinals and three into the consolation bracket.

According to the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) team rankings, updated Feb. 12, Presbyterian and King entered the weekend tied for fifth, while Emmanuel stood 10th nationally. After day one of competition, the team standings are as follows:

Presbyterian – 85 points (10 championship semifinalists)
Emmanuel (Ga.) – 67 points (6 championship, 3 consolations)
Mount Olive – 62.5 points (5 championship, 3 consolations)
King – 55.5 points (6 championship)
Delaware State – 42 points (3 championship, 4 consolations)

Championship Bracket Performances

At 110 pounds, Katie Simmons opened with a dominant 10–0 technical fall over Aniyah Baker (Huntingdon) before pinning Dusti Casperson (Southern Virginia) in 2:29 during the quarterfinals. Simmons will face Chloe Dearwester of Presbyterian College in the semifinals.

Top-seeded Lilian Prendergast (103) received a first-round bye and then needed just 1:05 to pin Celeste Welch (Newberry) in the quarterfinals. She advances to the semifinals against Rebekah Jean-Baptist of Emmanuel.

At 207 pounds, Zaria Robinson impressed with two quick victories, pinning Riley Stokes (Newberry) in 0:31 and earning a 10–0 technical fall over Allison Gabarrete (Emory & Henry). Robinson will face L.J Peters (Randolph) in the semifinals.

Kaylsee Hill (138) recorded back-to-back falls, pinning Seani Casperson (Southern Virginia) in 2:03 and Aalijah Pineda (Emmanuel) in 5:29. Hill will meet Carina Gianeruso of Presbyterian in the semifinals.

At 180 pounds, second-seeded Journey Land received a first-round bye and then pinned Jehieli Velez (Delaware State) in 2:20 to move into the semifinals, where she will take on Morgan Linton (McDaniel).

Consolation Bracket Highlights

Ahriana Scales (117) rebounded after a quarterfinal loss with a 2:58 pin over Rebekah Kinkade (Allen) and will continue in the consolation bracket against Ariana Carnahan (McDaniel).

At 131 pounds, Bella Murillo opened with a 14–2 technical fall over Nadia Ungurean (Frostburg State), then bounced back from a quarterfinal loss to earn a 10–0 technical fall against Brittany Gordon (Newberry). Murillo will face Ingrid Penn (Marymount) next.

Elaina Pollock (160) started the day with a 0:47 fall over Maddux Wukitch (McDaniel), dropped a narrow 5–4 decision in the quarterfinals, and responded with a 2:24 pin of Emma Stephenson (Huntingdon). Pollock advances to face Rihana Caron (Emory & Henry).

Additional Results

At 124 pounds, Ayonna McNeil earned an 18–8 technical fall over Ayden Schultz (Randolph) before suffering an 11–0 technical fall loss to Juliana Diaz of Delaware State University and later medically forfeiting.

Savannah Chesney (145) was eliminated after losses to Louise Juitt (Delaware State) and Hailie Misplay (Greensboro).

Day two of the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Regional #3 continues Saturday with championship semifinals, consolation rounds, and placement matches, as Mount Olive looks to secure national qualifiers and improve upon its third-place standing.

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Players Mentioned

Journey Land: 5' 4"; Junior

Savannah Chesney: 5' 6"; Freshman

Bella Murillo: 5' 4"; Freshman

Elaina Pollock: 5' 3"; Freshman

Zaria Robinson: 6' 1"; Freshman

Ahriana Scales: 5' 4"; Freshman

Katie Simmons: 5' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Journey Land
: 5' 4"; Junior

Savannah Chesney
: 5' 6"; Freshman

Bella Murillo
: 5' 4"; Freshman

Elaina Pollock
: 5' 3"; Freshman

Zaria Robinson
: 6' 1"; Freshman

Ahriana Scales
: 5' 4"; Freshman

Katie Simmons
: 5' 1"; Freshman