USA continues to roll with 9-1 victory of Sweden at Women's World Cup

The USA’s Women’s Freestyle Team continued its hot start at the 2018 Women’s Freestyle World Cup with 9-1 win over Sweden in round two of pool action at the Women’s World Cup in Takasaki, Japan. After two rounds, the USA has outscored its opponents 17-3 in the team race.

Head Coach Terry Steiner made a few tweaks to Team USA’s lineup for Sweden, including Sarah Hildebrandt at 53kg, who won with a first period 10-0 tech over Linn Lundstroem.

Hildebrandt is coming off of an elbow injury suffered in the finals of the 2017 U.S. Open that kept her sidelined for over half a year. After being back on the international circuit for the last few months she’s relishing her opportunities.

 “It’s been so wonderful to be back and traveling all over and competing,” said Hildebrandt. “This season I’ve been going nonstop from competition to competition and I think it’s paying off. I feel like competitions are the best way to grow your wrestling and confidence, and I feel in shape both physically and mentally.”

With her injury behind her, Hildebrandt has her sights set on exercising demons.

“I’m anxious to get back to the US Open and rewrite the last year’s story,” Hildebrandt said.

At 68 kg, Tamyra Mensah-Stock has her skills on full display as she picks up a 10-0 victory over Sweden’s Alexandra Sandahl. An impressive back trip for four and a wild scramble to stop Sandahl’s attack proved the two-time Ivan Yariguin champion is a force to be reckoned with. Mensah-Stock felt great heading into round 2.

“Once I get my offense going I’m able to really let my wrestling just flow and continue to attack and score points,” said Mensah-Stock. “I had a slow start against Canada with it being the first match of the day, however, each match I’m more engaged than the last. I can’t wait for our match against Japan tonight.”

As Mensah-Stock alluded to, next up for the USA is a clash with Japan in the round three of the group matches. Japan has been even more dominant in their first two rounds than the US, with a total match record of 18-2, one better than the US’s 17-3 against the same two opponents. The winner will advance to the gold-medalmatch on Sunday afternoon, with the loser qualifying for the bronze match.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
at Takasaki, Japan

USA 9, Sweden 1
50kg: Erin Golston (USA) over Malin Ljungstroem (SWE), victory by fall
53kg: Sarah Hildebrandt (USA) over Linn Lundstroem (SWE), victory by technical superiority (10-0)
55kg: Jacarra Winchester (USA) over Liliana Andino (SWE), victory by fall
57kg: Alli Ragan (USA) over Sara Lindborg (SWE), victory by technical superiority (10-0)
59kg: Kayla Miracle (USA) over Emma Johansson (SWE), victory by fall
62kg: Mallory Velte (USA), victory by forfeit
65kg: Forrest Molinari (USA) over Moa Nygren (SWE), victory by decision (4-0)
68kg: Tamyra Mensah-Stock (USA) over Alexandra Sandohl (SWE), victory by technical superiority (10-0)
72kg: Anna Fransson (SWE) over Victoria Francis (SWE), victory by technical superiority (10-0)
76kg: Adeline Gray (USA) over Denise Stroem (SWE), victory by fall

Group Results

Group A
Round 1
USA 8 – Canada 2
Japan 10 – Sweden 0

Round 2
USA 9 – Sweden 1
Japan 8 – Canada 2

Group B
Round 1
Belarus 7 – Romania 3
China 9 – Mongolia 1

Round 2
China 10 – Romania 0
Mongolia 6 – Belarus 4