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McKendree University Claims Inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Title

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

McKendree University won the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships with 171 points, narrowly ahead of Iowa's 166.
Yu Sakamoto of McKendree University defeated Riley Rayome of Iowa 4-3 to clinch the team title.
Katerina Lange of Grand Valley State became the first women's national champion by winning the 138-pound title.
Bella Mir and Kennedy Blades, both from Iowa, won the 145- and 160-pound titles.
McKendree University had three champions and ten All-Americans.

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Story summary

McKendree University won the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships with 171 points, narrowly ahead of Iowa's 166.
Yu Sakamoto of McKendree University defeated Riley Rayome of Iowa 4-3 to clinch the team title.
Katerina Lange of Grand Valley State became the first women's national champion by winning the 138-pound title.
Bella Mir and Kennedy Blades, both from Iowa, won the 145- and 160-pound titles.
McKendree University had three champions and ten All-Americans.