OUAZ FINISHES STRONG AT THE NATIONAL CHAMIONSHIPS
 
The Women's Wrestling Team performance at the National Championships was inspiring. In the tightest team race in NCWA history, the team finished only one point from the title.

From the start of the tournament, the team proved that it was ready to compete. "Hard fought matches were the theme of the tournament for everyone on the team" said Head Coach Ed Cruz. "Each wrestler was ready to show all of the fans what it means to be a part of the OUAZ Women's Wrestling Team." The team left no doubt they are one of the premier teams in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA).

Leading the way was Makayla Lopez. She won the National Championship at 103 pounds. "Makayla is an incredible wrestler and person" said Cruz, adding "She has performed well the entire season." This marked the fourth straight year the OUAZ has won this weight class.

Graduating Senior Iyanla Thomas became the University's first 3 time All-American. Cruz was grateful for everything Thomas has given the program, "Iyanla has been a tremendous leader and an example to everyone on the team."
The team had four wrestlers become All-Americans for the second time: Liliana Voakes, Angelina Walker, Anja Hansen, and Evelyn Coronado.

Two newcomers to the team, Lyla Tree and Quetzali Zacarias, both became All-Americans.

Head Coach Ed Cruz in expected to retire with the conclusion of the season. He has been the Head Coach since the program's inception.
He has led the team to two National Dual Team Championships and a National Tournament Championship.  The team has finished in the top three at that National Dual Team and the Tournament Championships every year he has been at the helm.
Additionally, Cruz was selected as the National Coach of the Year twice and the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year four times.
 
 
 
National Tournament Recap:
Makayla Lopez:  National Champion
Liliana Voakes:  Finished in 4^th place. She is now a two-time All-American.
Angelina Walker: Finished in 5^th Place. She is now a two-time All-American.
Anja Hansen: Finished in 4^th Place. She is now a two-time All-American.
Iyanla Thomas: Finished in 6^th Place. She finishes her career as a three-time All-American.
Lyla Tree: Finished in 3^rd Place as a Freshman to win All-American Honors.
Quetzali Zacarias: Finished in 4^th Place as a Freshman to win All-American Honors
Evelynn Coronado: Finished in 3^rd Place. She is now a two-time All-American
 
Marley Castaneda: Finished 4 – 2
Josemmidee Moody: Finished 2 -2
Eliza Armendariz:  Finished 1 – 2.
Kayla Begay: Finished 1 – 2
Maya Duncan: Finished 1 - 2
Lourdes Duran: Finished 1 - 2
Danica Medina: Finished 0 -2
Mia Iguado:  Finished: 0 – 2