Penn State Altoona Women’s Wrestling Team Competes at Pennsylvania Collegiate Championships
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Altoona wrestlers showcased grit and determination at the Pennsylvania Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships held Saturday at East Stroudsburg University.
The Penn State Altoona women’s wrestling team demonstrated competitive spirit at the Pennsylvania Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships on Saturday, February 1, hosted by East Stroudsburg University. Three Lions – Naomi Nachmias, Richele Reyes, and Gianna Slusser – represented the program in the 103, 124, and 131 weight classes, respectively.
Nachmias Advances to Semifinals in 103 Bracket
Competing in the 103-pound bracket, Naomi Nachmias of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, began her tournament with a decisive victory. She defeated Penelope Gomlak of Misericordia University by fall at 1:49 (8-0), securing her place in the semifinals. However, Nachmias faced a tough opponent in East Stroudsburg’s Olivia Klein, ultimately losing by fall at 1:35 (9-0).
Moving to the consolation bracket, Nachmias received a bye before facing Lock Haven’s Summer Batts. Despite a hard-fought battle, she was defeated by fall at 5:42, finishing in fourth place within the consolation bracket.
Reyes Reaches Consolation Finals in 124 Division
Richele Reyes, hailing from Buckingham, UK, enjoyed a bye in the round of 16 of the 124-pound bracket. Reyes then advanced to the semifinals with a win by forfeit against Leila Sidhu of Leigh University. In the semifinals, she faced Isabel Alvarez of Pitt Johnstown, falling short with a 12-6 defeat.
In the consolation bracket, Reyes lost to East Stroudsburg’s Olivia Palmer by a score of 10-0. A narrow 8-7 loss to Kloi Tighe of Ursinus in the bout for fifth place concluded Reyes’ tournament in sixth place.
Slusser Faces Injury Setback in 131 Bracket
Gianna Slusser of Raleigh, North Carolina, also received a bye in the round of 16 in the 131-pound bracket. Slusser showcased her skill with a fall victory over Lock Haven’s Rachel Plata at 3:50 (8-2), propelling her into the semifinals. There, she encountered Gianna Amendola of East Stroudsburg, resulting in a 10-0 loss.
Unfortunately, Slusser was forced to forfeit her subsequent bouts due to injury, finishing in sixth place.
Looking Ahead to the JCU Open
The Penn State Altoona women’s wrestling team will continue their season at the JCU Open on Sunday, February 1, at the DeCarlo Varsity Center. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., offering another opportunity for the Lions to compete and refine their skills.
