EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – The Sacred Heart University women's wrestling team made a powerful start to the 2024-25 season at the ESU Open, hosted by East Stroudsburg University, on Saturday afternoon at Koehler Fieldhouse.

Fueled by unwavering determination, the Pioneers demonstrated their resilience with three wrestlers finishing within the top three in their designated weight class bracket. Returning All-American Madison Sandquist and Madeline Hodges both recorded first-place finishes at 180 pounds and 207 pounds, respectively. Alexandra Fitzgerald, also a 2023-24 All-American, claimed third place at 131 pounds.

Sandquist also had something else to celebrate besides her first-place finish at 180 lbs as she collected her 100th career win in the round of 16 against Madison Wagner. 

Of Note:

• Sandquist secured the first-place finish after defeating Lehigh's Genevieve Ann, the returning 2023-24 NCWWC National Champion, by tech fall, 10-0, and ended the day with an undefeated record of 4-0. 
• Hodges's first-place finish came against Elmira's Tayana Labady by fall, 9-0, earning her first college tournament victory.
• After falling to King's Anna DiCugno in the semifinals, Fitzgerald batted Elmira's Gabby Bradigan for third place and won by tech fall, 10-0. 
• Tiffany Stoshak (103), Lauren Nguyen (110), Bailee Militello (131), Madi Canales (138), and Gabrielle Heffez (145) made their collegiate debuts for the Pioneers, adding fresh energy to the team. 
• Nguyen battled for a spot in the semifinals, along with Ahsia Torres, Nohea Moniz, Jacklyn Smith, Fitzgerald, Sandquist, and Hodges, but York's Gisele Ramirez claimed the victory at 110 pounds by fall, 6-4. 
• Stoshak recorded a strong performance on the afternoon as she rallied for a spot in the quarterfinals and a chance to battle for fifth place. 
• Also competing for the Pioneers was Temi Sanusi (145), Kathryn Vogt-Shields (145), Elleahna Anderson (131), Tati Walker (117), Aliza Leander (138), Valerie Turgeon (124), Aaliyah Payne-Parris (110), Samantha Yap (117), Taylor McCormick (110), and Love Daley (160). 

Up Next:
The Pioneers return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 9, as they take part in the Adrian Dual Tournament hosted by Adrian College in Adrian, MI.