(LOUISVILLE, KY, Jan. 5) – The McKendree University women's wrestling team was named champion of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals this Saturday afternoon after defeating King University 24-17 in the championship match. This win marks the first NWCA championship for women's wrestling in program history.
 
The Bearcats arrived at the NWCA stage just days after receiving the Number-One ranking in the nation from the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA). After receiving a first-round bye, McKendree dominated Southern Oregon 34-9 in the quarterfinal match, and would continue their path towards a program-first championship after edging out Emmanuel College 22-17 in the semifinals.
 
During the championship match, key wins from Felicity Taylor (Waterloo, IA/South Winneshiek High School), Brenda Reyna (Mount Vernon, WA/Mount Vernon), and Alexandria Glaude (West Sacramento, Calif./Christian Brothers) placed McKendree in promising position for the title, while wins from Sydnee Kimber (Sitka, AK/Mt Edgecombe) and Destane Garrick (Brooklyn, NY/Wingate Campus) in the 170 and 191 pound categories sealed the victory for the Bearcats. With Saturday's triumph over the Tornado, McKendree University became just the sixth program to win a National Duals title in the women's division.

Women's wrestling will be back in action Thursday, January 24 as they travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado for the NWCA Dave Shultz Memorial Trournament.