Emory, VA - Bluefield State University Women's Wrestling program won their first-ever dual meet on Thursday evening over Southwest Virginia CC on the strength of two pins, a technical fall, and four forfeits.

Gracelyn Hanson and Raelie Hernandez opened the scoring, receiving a pair of forfeits. Caitlyn Ash, moving up a weight to 136, used a counter and then a half nelson to score a pin. Malia Cook earned her third victory of the year with a first period fall of her own. Hannah Mae Catungal earned her fifth win of the year on the strength of a technical fall, her second of the year. Charniece McClarence got her hand raised at 170, and Tayla Grove, normally a 155, bumped up to 191 lbs to get a win.

"This was pretty cool. To be fortunate enough to be on the bench while these young women made Bluefield State history is a kind of blessing" said Sam Gardner. "They are hard workers, dedicated, scrappy, and fun. I'm lucky I have the opportunity to work with them. Caitlyn showed me what I thought she was capable of after moving up a class from last week. Malia tried a move we'd been working on in practice and missed it, but she didn't let it bother her. She picked herself up, stayed on the attack, and got the pin. Hannah continues to wrestle in a style that is entertaining and fan-friendly. She's aggressive and willing to take risks, and that makes for exciting performances. Tayla Grove's "cowboy" throw makes her dangerous whenever she goes out there. In our second dual of the night, we saw some things we need to improve upon, but nothing can take away from the joy of earning that first dual meet "W" for the program. I'm happy for these ladies."