NMU Women's Wrestling Claims 5 Individual Titles at Pointer Open

Northern Michigan women secure five individual titles at Pointer Open

The Northern Michigan University women’s wrestling team claimed five individual championships during a dominant performance at the Pointer Open on Saturday, according to a report from nmuwildcats.com. The Wildcats didn’t just win titles; they dismantled the competition with a technical proficiency that set them apart from the 20 competing teams and clubs in the tournament.

The sheer scale of the dominance is best seen in the scoring margins. Northern Michigan recorded 29 technical fall wins, the highest total of any program present at the event. By securing five of the tournament’s ten available weight class titles, the Wildcats ensured that no other single program captured more than two individual championships.

A masterclass in technical dominance

The championship run was defined by rapid, decisive victories. Lillee Denson, competing at 103 pounds, set the tone for the day by securing a 10-0 technical fall in just 1 minute and 17 seconds. She went on to add three more technical falls to finish her day undefeated and take first place.

At the 117-pound weight class, Cheyenne Frank mirrored this intensity. Frank recorded five consecutive technical falls, including an opening bout that ended in a 10-0 victory after only 28 seconds. Her ability to close out matches quickly allowed her to secure the championship with significant momentum.

The Wildcats’ success spanned a wide range of weight classes, showcasing depth across the roster:

Kandice Spry (124 lbs): Won with three technical falls and a 4-3 decision, capping her performance with a 12-1 technical fall.
Belicia Manuel (145 lbs): Secured her title after three opening technical falls, a 6-0 decision, and a final technical fall in the championship match.
Sophia Bassino (160 lbs): Earned first place with four consecutive technical falls, including three matches won by a 10-0 score.

Beyond the individual champions, the team saw several other athletes reach the podium. Kanata Richardson earned the runner-up spot at 180 pounds after two technical falls and a 5-2 decision. Mickaela Keane also placed fifth in the 180-pound division, following a technical fall and a 5-1 decision. In the heavier divisions, Maddie Hayden finished fourth at 207 pounds—highlighted by a pin—while Abbie Miles secured fifth place at 160 pounds.

The momentum carries to Michigan

This performance serves as a critical building block for the Wildcats as they head into a heavy weekend of competition in mid-November. The team is scheduled to travel to Adrian, Michigan, for a two-day stretch of high-stakes wrestling.

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The schedule includes the Adrian Duals on Saturday, November 14, immediately followed by the Adrian Open on Sunday, November 15. Given the technical fall rate seen at the Pointer Open, the Wildcats will be entering these Michigan competitions as a team to watch for efficiency and scoring depth.