Hicks wins three matches at nationals

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Emaline Hicks won three matches on day one of the NCWWC National Championships, concluding her freshman year one victory shy of All-American distinction.

Hicks became the first wrestler in program history to win a match at nationals with a 10-0 technical fall over Gabriella Motz (Albion) in the opening round of the tournament. She fell to No. 2 Sterling Dias of Iowa in the next round, but bounced back with her eighth pin of the season against Morgan Bethea of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

The Ypsilanti, Mich. native continued to advance her way through the back side of the bracket with another pin in the next round, defeating Alma's Mackenzie Burger in just 26 seconds. In the consolation quarterfinals, Hicks fell 8-2 in a hard fought battle against No. 4 Jennesis Martinez (Colorado Mesa).

Hicks' first collegiate season ends with a 20-11 record.