ADRIAN, MI - The Sacred Heart University women's wrestling team continued its strong start to the season with a standout showing at the Adrian Invitational, hosted by Adrian College, on Sunday inside the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center. Competing against a powerhouse 40-team field, the Pioneers battled their way to an impressive 13th-place team finish.

The invitational featured deep competition across all weight classes, with wrestlers divided into A, B, and C brackets within their respective divisions—providing a full day of high-level match ups and testing depth across every lineup spot.

Of Note:

• As a team, Sacred Heart's grit and depth shone through against elite national competition. North Central claimed the team title, followed by Presbyterian and Grand Valley State, rounding out the top three. 
• The Pioneers were led by a pair of individual champions, as Alena Gracia and Anastasia Dakoulas dominated their respective brackets to secure first-place finishes. 
• Gracia went a perfect 5-0 at 145 pounds, while Dakoulas rolled through the 138-pound bracket with a spotless 3-0 record to climb to the top of the podium.
• Adding to the standout performances, Gurleen Khartta earned a runner-up finish at 103 pounds after an impressive 3-1 day, while Aaliyah Payne-Parris (103 lbs) Madeline Hodges (180 lbs) placed sixth in their designated bracket. 
• At 131 pounds, Bella Sowards battled through a deep bracket to finish seventh, matching Gracia with a team-high five victories on the day. 
• Josephine Larson (207 lbs) also earned a seventh-place finish, showcasing toughness and consistency throughout the tournament. 
• Selena Sifuentes Shaffer rounded out the Pioneer placers with an eighth-place finish at 145 pounds.

Individual Results:
103: Payne-Parris (1-3) | Khartta (3-1)
110: Samantha Gray (1-2) | Tiffany Stoshak (0-2)
117: Samantha Yap (2-2)
124: Cailan Drake (0-2) | Lauren Nguyen (0-2)
131: Alexandra Viera (0-2) | Sowards (5-2)
138: Dakoulas (3-0)
145: Gracia (5-0) | Sifuentes Shaffer (2-3)
160: Love Daley (1-2)
180: Hodges (2-3)
207: Larson (3-2)

Up Next:
The Pioneers return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 22, as they take part in the Bridgeport Open, hosted by the University of Bridgeport.