CLINTON, S.C. – Stepping onto the national stage in front of a live ESPN+ audience, the McMurry University women's wrestling team faced its toughest test of the season against NCAA No. 6-ranked Presbyterian College on Sunday afternoon. Despite a 42-6 team defeat fueled by several open weights, the War Hawks proved they can compete with the elite, led by a perfect 3-0 performance from sophomore standout Kailyn Bridges.

The Highlight Reel
Bridges was a force of nature at 110 pounds. In the primary dual, she dismantled Presbyterian's Sloane Kruger, securing a fall at the 4:34 mark to provide McMurry's six team points for the national broadcast. Bridges continued her dominant run in the exhibition rounds, recording a lightning-fast 1:38 pin over Annalise Maralit and a third victory via injury default over Grace York.

At 145 pounds, Adriana Azuara showed tremendous resilience. In a high-paced battle against Lilly Luttrell, Azuara fought to score four points, demonstrating the aggressive offensive style the War Hawks have focused on in this inaugural program.

From the Corner: Coach Lance Brown
"Taking on a top-ten program like Presbyterian on ESPN+ gives our women a clear look at the national standard," said Head Coach Lance Brown. "Kailyn Bridges was a hammer today. To go 3-0 with two pins against a program of this caliber is a massive statement—she is wrestling at a very high level right now and showing our young team what is possible.

It was a high-level environment, especially with Presbyterian honoring their international medalists during the dual. While we are still working to fill out our full lineup and deal with some open weights, the grit shown by Adriana Azuara and our middleweights is exactly the foundation we need. We're taking these lessons from South Carolina and using them to fuel our preparation for the home stretch."

The National Standard
The Blue Hose showed why they have moved to 17-3 on the season. McMurry's Kayla Jose drew one of the afternoon's toughest assignments at 131 pounds, facing No. 7-ranked Kassey Daugherty, Additionally, PC's Charlee Shuler (124) and Elizabeth Donovan (138) demonstrated the technical depth of the NCAA No. 6 squad, though the War Hawks gained invaluable experience against the nationally-ranked starters.

Official Results: Presbyterian 42, McMurry 6

Weight	Match Summary	Result
110	Kailyn Bridges (MCM) def. Sloane Kruger (PRE)	Fall 4:34
124	Charlee Shuler (PRE) def. Chelsey Upton (MCM)	Fall 0:38
131	#7 Kassey Daugherty (PRE) def. Kayla Jose (MCM)	TF 10-0
138	Elizabeth Donovan (PRE) def. Alexis Schmotzer (MCM)	TF 10-0
145	Lilly Luttrell (PRE) def. Adriana Azuara (MCM)	TF 14-4

Exhibition Highlights:

• 110: Kailyn Bridges (MCM) def. Annalise Maralit (PRE) | Fall 1:38
• 110: Kailyn Bridges (MCM) def. Grace York (PRE) | Inj. 0:13
• 138: Elizabeth Donovan (PRE) def. Kayla Jose (MCM) | Fall 1:28
• 138: Ava Torres (PRE) def. Alexis Schmotzer (MCM) | Fall 3:18

 
UP NEXT
The War Hawks return to Abilene to prepare for their upcoming dual at NAIA Ranked #7 Wayland Baptist University on Febuary 4^th at 6:00pm.