Southern Virginia Women's Wrestling Shines at Mount Olive Tournament

The Southern Virginia University women’s wrestling team marked the start of its fourth season this week with a competitive showing at the Mount Olive Tournament in North Carolina.

Facing a deep field of 18 programs, the Knights tested their mettle against a mix of NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA opponents, according to knightathletics.com.

Eight wrestlers represented the program during the event, competing in a bracket that offered a difficult early-season challenge. Alexis Kirkland set the pace for the team, securing a second-place finish in the 160-pound weight class. Her run ended in the championship match against a Division II competitor from the host institution, the University of Mount Olive.

Mariah Roberts matched that success, claiming a runner-up finish in the 117-pound bracket. Roberts reached the finals before falling to a Division I opponent from Presbyterian College. Rounding out the top performances, Katie Ramsay secured a third-place finish, while freshman Evalyn Lenahan finished with a 2-2 record to place fifth or sixth in the 145-pound division.

Reflecting on the opening tournament, head coach Jessica Casperson emphasized the collective effort of the squad. “Every lady wrestled hard today!” Casperson said.

The Mount Olive Tournament served as an initial barometer for the Knights, who face a rigorous schedule in the coming weeks. Data from WrestleStat confirms that the team’s season is set to accelerate quickly, with a series of dual meets and invitationals scheduled throughout November and December.

The roster, which includes Casaday Lockhart at 110 pounds, Marlie Skidmore at 103 pounds, Sapphire Washington at 124 pounds, and Seani Casperson at 131 pounds, will look to build on this initial experience as they transition into home competition.

The immediate focus for the program is a tri-match at home this Wednesday, November 11. The Knights are scheduled to host Greensboro College and Liberty University, with action slated to begin at 7 p.m. This event marks the team’s first home appearance of the 2026-2027 season, providing a local platform for the wrestlers to build on their tournament results.

Following the home tri-match, the team’s schedule remains dense. The Knights are slated to face McDaniel College, Gettysburg College, and Emmanuel College on November 14, followed by an appearance at the Greensboro Women’s Open on November 21. These early-season duals are critical for establishing rankings and developing the tactical depth needed for the later stages of the collegiate wrestling calendar.

The expansion of women’s collegiate wrestling continues to be a notable trend in athletic departments across the country, providing more opportunities for athletes to compete at the varsity level. For Southern Virginia, entering its fourth year as a program, the ability to draw competitive matches against a diverse field of NCAA and NAIA programs indicates a maturing roster.

As the season progresses through January and February, the team will continue to evaluate its progress through events like the Southern Virginia Women’s Invitational and the Indiana Tech Warrior Women’s Open.

Worth a look