MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.— The Montreat women's wrestling team began its second season as a varsity program on Saturday when it competed at the Trojan Open, hosted by the University of Mount Olive, in Mount Olive, N.C. With eight different wrestlers competing against opponents across all levels and divisions, the Cavaliers racked up 11 wins and one individual title.
 
During the Cavs' inaugural season, Trinity Howard notched the program's first individual title at the Limestone Open. Today, she repeated her feat at the Trojan Open. Ranked No. 17 in the NAIA's 123-lb weight class, Howard cruised to her championship with a perfect 4-0 record. Starting off with a 10-0 tech fall, the Queen Creek, Ariz. native then registered a first-round pin just 2:30 into her quarterfinal clash. From there, two more tech falls at 14-4 and 12-2 garnered a swift first-place finish for Howard.
 
Newcomer Mariah Gonzalez made a splash in her Montreat debut in the 109-lb bracket. Following an opening-round bye that vaulted her directly into the quarterfinals, Gonzalez utilized consecutive pins in 0:29 and 4:30, respectively, to make the title bout. There, the freshman met her match as she was pinned in 1:46. As a result, Gonzalez's 2-1 record ultimately claimed second place in her first action as a Cav.
 
Another Cavalier newcomer, Lacie-Lee Parris, made a semifinal run in the 191-lb bracket. Thanks to her 13-3 tech fall in the quarterfinals, the Waynesville, N.C. native moved within a victory of the first-place match; however, an injury default just 18 seconds into the semifinal matchup ended her journey.
 
Michaiah Allen proved to be Montreat's third and final wrestler to win multiple bouts on Saturday. Competing at 130, Allen seized a 10-0 tech fall to begin her day. After a quarterfinal loss via pin, the Asheville, N.C. native bounced back with another tech fall triumph, this time at 20-8, before dropping her final showdown.
 
Hannah Wecer and Marissa Delacruz wrestled at 136, and each ended the day with a 1-2 record, meaning 75 percent of the Cavs who took to the mat on Saturday captured at least one victory.
 
"The team wrestled great today, and the effort we put forward was everything I could ask for," said head coach Jake Britt. "We saw some good things, as well as things we need to work on, but we're excited to keep trusting the process and keep growing every weekend."
 
For a complete look at results from the Trojan Open, click here.
 
The Montreat women's wrestling team continues open action next Saturday with Eagle Madness, hosted by Life University, in Marietta, Ga.