Watters knocks off No. 1 Marshall to lead No. 9 OCU women to victory over No. 5 Wayland Baptist

OKLAHOMA CITY – No. 9 Oklahoma City University women took down No. 5 Wayland Baptist, 28-15, in front of a home crowd on Friday night at Abe Lemons Arena in Oklahoma City. Highlighting the dual was a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup at 170 pounds in which OCU came out victorious.

“These girls have been working really hard and it’s been a long road since National Duals,” OCU head coach Matt Stevens said. “They were really prepared and excited for today. I’m happy for them and how hard they worked for the victory.”

The marquee match of the night was at 170 pounds, where No. 2 Rachel Watters of OCU challenged two-time All-American and No. 1-ranked Brittany Marshall of WBU.

Marshall led 6-4 after the first period, thanks to a pair of takedowns and a turn. Watters, a four-time age-group U.S. World Team member shut down the country’s top-ranked 170-pounder, collecting three takedowns for a 10-7 win.

“I didn’t go out there ready to go,” Watters said. “I think it was a matter of not moving my feet, so I really need to work on that before the national tournament. But at least I know that if that happens again, I know how to continue and keep working for those takedowns.”

Despite giving up the first three matches, OCU stormed back, winning the last seven matches to stop No. 5 WBU in its tracks.

Five of those seven wins came with bonus points attached, including four tech falls, which came from No. 8 Monica Mendoza at 123 pounds, Erin Redford at 136 pounds, Natalia Hinojo at 143 pounds and No. 6 Yvonne Galindo at 155 pounds, and one pin from Stars freshman McKyla Kerr at 191 pounds. Daniela Flores and Watters recorded decisions.

Natalia Hinojo, a 2016 WCWA champion for Oklahoma City, knocked off sixth-ranked Marina Briceno at 143 pounds with a 10-0 shutout. It was only Hinojo’s second event of the year. The last time she competed was at the Blue Chip Oklahoma City Open at the beginning of the season.

“It’s awesome getting back on the mat,” Hinojo said. “I’m a super senior, so I don’t have any more chances after this. I got hurt last season and I got hurt at the beginning of this season. I’m just ready to finish this year with a bang.”

Picking up wins by decision for WBU were Rhonda Johnson and No. 2 Gaby Ramos-Diaz at 109 and 116 pounds, respectively.

2017 Junior World bronze medalist and fourth-ranked wrestler in the nation at 101 pounds Asia Ray was awarded a win by forfeit for Wayland Baptist.

WBU wraps up a busy weekend with a 2-1 dual record. The Pioneers wrestled two duals last night in Muskogee, Okla., winning both in dominant fashion, including a 37-5 victory over Bacone and a 38-10 win against No. 16 Missouri Baptist.

NO. 9 OKLAHOMA CITY 28, NO. 5 WAYLAND BAPTIST 15

at Oklahoma City University, Feb. 26, 2018

101 – No. 4 Asia Ray (WBU) won by forfeit
109 – Rhonda Johnson (WBU) dec. Leiana Nacapuy (OCU), 10-6
116 – No. 2 Gaby Ramos-Diaz (WBU) TF Kailyn Ramos (OCU), 10-0
123 – No. 8 Monica Mendoza (OCU) TF Rebekah Cordova (WBU), 10-0
130 – Daniela Flores (OCU) dec. Leah Olguin (WBU), 8-3
136 – Erin Redford (OCU) TF Asia Igafo (WBU), 12-2
143 – Natalia Hinojo (OCU) TF No. 6 Marina Briceno (WBU), 10-0
155 – No. 6 Yvonne Galindo (OCU) TF Skylar Brock (WBU), 10-0
170 – No. 2 Rachel Watters (OCU) dec. No. 1 Brittany Marshall (WBU), 10-7
191 – McKyla Kerr (OCU) win by fall Ja’Kei Capell (WBU), 1:38