CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – DSU women's wrestling completed its historic debut at the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 9–10, competing against four nationally ranked programs in one of the deepest dual formats in collegiate wrestling. The Blue Hawks finished the event in the NAIA 15–16 placement bracket, gaining valuable experience against elite national competition.
Dickinson State opened the tournament against second-ranked University of Providence, where the Argonauts secured a 42-6 victory. The Blue Hawks' highlight of the opening dual came at 110 pounds, as Jenna Gerhardt delivered a statement performance with a fall at 2:35, earning Dickinson State's lone team points of the match.
Following the opening loss, the Blue Hawks moved into the consolation bracket and faced eighth-ranked Doane. Despite the 41-5 team result, Dickinson State again found success at 110 pounds, with Gerhardt controlling the bout for a 3-0 decision victory. Her win marked the second straight dual in which she produced points against a ranked opponent.
With the loss, Dickinson State was placed into the NAIA 13–16 bracket, guaranteeing a fourth-place finish in that classification. In the semifinal round, the Blue Hawks met Oklahoma City University, falling 38-10. Dickinson State recorded two individual victories in the dual, beginning at 117 pounds where Mikayla Jardine earned a forfeit win. At 124, Birta McCaskill followed with a fall at 1:53, using strong top pressure to add six points.
The tournament concluded Saturday afternoon in the NAIA 15–16 place match against Campbellsville University. Despite a 29-14 team loss, the Blue Hawks finished the weekend with three individual victories. Gerhardt continued her strong tournament at 110 pounds with a fall at 2:03. Jardine followed with a dominant technical fall at 117, winning 12-1, while Isabella Urias closed the dual with a forfeit win at 207.
Across four duals, Dickinson State totaled eight individual victories against nationally ranked opposition. Gerhardt led the way with a 3-0 weekend, while Jardine, McCaskill and Urias each contributed key wins. The appearance marked the program's first trip to the NWCA National Duals and provided a valuable measuring stick as the Blue Hawks continue their progression on the national stage.
UP NEXT
Dickinson State women's wrestling returns to dual action on Sunday, Jan. 18, when the Blue Hawks travel east to face the University of Jamestown. The dual is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start and will be held in Jamestown, N.D.
