THIS WEEK IN BLUE HAWK WOMEN'S WRESTLING
The Dickinson State University women's wrestling team is set to continue its early-season slate this week, hosting Chadron State College in what marks the first-ever dual meeting between the two programs. The matchup was originally scheduled for last season but postponed and never rescheduled, making this year's contest the long-awaited first head-to-head battle between the Blue Hawks and the Eagles. Both teams are coming off appearances at the Battle of the Rockies, hosted by the University of Providence, where several Blue Hawks went toe-to-toe with Chadron State wrestlers in preview bouts that foreshadowed this week's dual.

RECENT MATCHUPS AT THE BATTLE OF THE ROCKIES AGAINST CHADRON STATE
The Blue Hawks' weekend in Great Falls featured multiple matchups we may see again Thursday. At 110 pounds, senior Jenna Gerhardt set the tone for DSU with a first-period fall (1:38) over Chadron State's R. Balcazar, displaying the quickness and control that earned her NAIA national-qualifier status last season. Senior Mikayla Jardine followed at 117 pounds with an equally dominant fall in 2:25 over A. Lopez, continuing her strong start to the season. Her performance throughout the weekend earned her recognition as the Heart of America Women's Wrestler of the Week, becoming the first Blue Hawk this season to receive the conference honor. Jardine's composure and consistency have helped anchor the Blue Hawk lineup in the early going. At 124 pounds, sophomore Birta McCaskill dropped a hard-fought match to nationally ranked A. Cassioppi by fall at 2:28. Reigning NAIA national champion Jumoke Adekoye dominated her bout at 131 pounds, securing a technical fall (11-0 in 4:39) over P. Cadden, avenging a teammate's earlier loss to the same opponent. Fellow freshman Ember Waters also competed at 131 pounds, falling to Cadden by technical fall (10-0 in 1:33) in a fast-paced match that showcased early development from the first-year Blue Hawk. At 145 pounds, sophomore Savannah Brehm battled through a physical bout with D. Munson before falling by decision, 8-0. In the upper weights, freshman Olivia Anderson wrestled at 160 pounds and dropped a match to M. Arellano by fall at 2:40, while sophomore Joli Beston and junior Hayla Hoffman both continued to build experience at their respective weights.

DUAL PREVIEW
This week's dual against Chadron State provides a pivotal early-season measuring stick for the Blue Hawks. Behind proven leaders such as Jumoke Adekoye, Jenna Gerhardt, and Mikayla Jardine, Dickinson State enters the contest seeking to capitalize on recent momentum and build depth throughout its roster. The dual also gives emerging competitors like Jazmine Turner, Birta McCaskill, Ember Waters, and Olivia Anderson valuable opportunities to test themselves.

LOOKING AHEAD
Following the Chadron State dual, Dickinson State will continue its non-conference stretch with two days at Minot, November 21st and 22nd with the Beaver Bash Duals and the Minot State Open.