GREAT FALLS, Mont.- Blue Hawk women's wrestling team opened its 2025-26 season with a strong showing at the Battle of the Rockies, earning three podium finishes in one of the most competitive early-season tournaments in the NAIA. The event, hosted by No. 3 University of Providence, featured six nationally ranked teams and several top-five individuals, providing the exact early-season test Head Coach Tyson Springer previewed earlier in the week. Despite the elite field, the Blue Hawks ranked No. 20 nationally rose to the challenge behind standout performances at 110, 117, and 131 pounds, finishing in 4th place as a team with 59 points.

Gerhardt Leads Lightweights with 3rd at 110
Senior Jenna Gerhardt delivered a gritty and efficient performance in one of the tournament's toughest brackets, finishing third at 110 pounds. Gerhardt secured multiple bonus-point victories throughout the day, including a dominant 10-0 tech fall and an 8-0 decision, showcasing the composure and consistency that made her a returning national qualifier. Her podium finish marks a strong start to her final collegiate campaign.

Turner Breaks Through with Runner-Up Finish at 117
Freshman Jazmine Turner came out quick in this event, claiming second place at 117 pounds in her collegiate debut. Turner advanced to the championship match behind disciplined defense and timely scoring, including a strong 4-0 decision in the semifinal.
The performance establishes Turner as an immediate contributor in a weight class already anchored by veteran teammate Larhae Whaley.

Adekoye Battles to Silver in Nation's Deepest Weight Class
Sophomore Jumoke Adekoye, the reigning NAIA national champion, opened her season with a runner-up finish at 131 pounds, widely considered one of the deepest divisions in the country.
Adekoye showcased her trademark pressure and explosive scoring throughout the day, wrestling her way into the finals before falling to a nationally ranked opponent. The result adds to her growing résumé as she begins her title defense.

Strong Performances Across the Lineup
While Gerhardt, Turner, and Adekoye headlined the day, several other Blue Hawks gained valuable experience and produced strong individual moments:
131 Pounds – Makenzie Shaw
Junior Makenzie Shaw recorded multiple decisive wins, including a fall in 1:14, a 10-0 tech fall, and a 12-2 tech fall, putting together one of the most dominant stretches of the meet for any DSU athlete.
117 Pounds – Mikayla Jardine & Larhae Whaley
Senior Mikayla Jardine earned a quality 4-2 decision victory, while sophomore Larhae Whaley, a returning national qualifier, picked up a 4-1 win in an all-DSU matchup, reinforcing the depth at 117.
138 Pounds – Kaytlin McAnelly
Sophomore Kaytlin McAnelly turned in one of the grittiest performances of the day, securing two tight 4-2 decisions against strong opponents and continuing her upward trajectory.
207 Pounds – Isabella Urias
Freshman Isabella Urias delivered one of DSU's biggest bonus-point wins of the tournament with a dominant 12-1 tech fall at 207 pounds, showcasing major upside in her first appearance. Across all weight classes, DSU's younger wrestlers gained their first collegiate action against top-20 programs, exactly the type of experience Springer emphasized entering the weekend.

Coach Springer's Early Benchmark Hits the Mark
Saturday's results reflected the competitive goals outlined by Coach Springer in the preview: evaluate the team early, test veterans against national talent, and expose freshmen to true NAIA championship-level wrestling.
The Blue Hawks held their own in every division, earned three podium finishes, and produced several breakout performances, an encouraging start to year three of the program.

UP NEXT
DSU now turns its attention to a dual against NCAA Division II opponent Chadron State College on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:00 p.m. (MST).