2024-25 Women's Wrestling Season Preview https://t.co/nqnJ12zjKD
— D'Youville University Athletics (@dyouvillesaints) October 31, 2024
BUFFALO, N.Y. - After a successful inaugural season, a year ago, the D'Youville University women's wrestling team has seen what it takes to be the best and having a returning class will help the team achieve the goals that lay ahead.
This year is a big change from last year, having a returning class that understands the expectations and competition landscape," said head coach Carlene Sluberski. "We want to have more national qualifiers and finish top-15 in the country as a team. Ideally, we get one or two on the podium bringing home All-American honors. We've got the pieces; it's just about getting them all to fit together at the right time."
The Saints return five national qualifiers from a year ago, highlighted by Madison Wellen (East Berlin, Pa./Wyoming Seminary), who was the regional champion at the 136-pound weight class. Wellen led the team with 20 wins, 17 of which came by fall. Alessandra Elliott (Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville) was one match away from becoming a regional champion, finishing second in the 143-pound weight class and finished the season with 17 wins. Elizabeth Stricklin (San Antonio, Texas/Winston Churchill) was the last top-three placer at regionals, placing third in the 170-pound weight class and finishing the season with 17 wins.
Rounding out the national qualifiers from last year was Saniyah Ward (The Colony, Texas/The Colony) and Riley Wentlent (Cheektowaga, N.Y./Depew) each placed fourth at regionals at 143 pounds and 191 pounds, respectively.
"Of our national qualifiers from last year, Madison, Alessandra, Elizabeth, Saniyah, and Riley are all returning to the mat this year," Sluberski said. "There is a lot more confidence going into this season, just having that year of experience down. Individually, they've all made huge strides from last season and should be fun to follow this season."
DYU will have eight freshmen joining the eight returners. Of the eight freshmen joining the team, coach Sluberski said that Alexis Bura (New Castle, Pa./Laurel) is one to keep an eye out for.
"Our freshmen class has brought a lot of energy and excitement to the team already," said Sluberski. "One to watch is Alexis. Alexis is always down to scrap, and you can count on her to bring it every time she steps out on the mat."
D'Youville will has a preseason tune-up this weekend at the McMaster Open. The season will officially begin on Sunday, November 9th, as they travel to the Arian College Duals.