THIS WEEK IN BLUE HAWK WOMEN'S WRESTLING
The Blue Hawk women's wrestling team returns to dual action Thursday, Feb. 5, traveling west to face the University of Providence in Great Falls, Mont. The dual is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start and presents another nationally significant test for the Blue Hawks as they continue through the heart of their schedule.
Dickinson State enters the matchup ranked 19th nationally and sixth in the conference. The Blue Hawks are coming off a 28-19 road victory over Minot State University, a performance that showcased balance throughout the lineup and the ability to secure bonus points away from home. Against Minot State, Dickinson State earned key scoring efforts across multiple weights, including technical falls, forfeits, and pins that allowed the Blue Hawks to build and protect a lead throughout the dual. The win marked another strong regional result and provided momentum heading into a challenging stretch of competition.
The Blue Hawks feature several nationally and conference-ranked individuals, led by Jumoke Adekoye at 131 pounds, who is currently ranked third nationally and first in the conference. Jenna Gerhardt sits 12th nationally at 110 pounds, while Jazmine Turner is ranked eighth at 117. Mikayla Jardine also carries a national ranking at 117, listed 18th, giving Dickinson State depth in the lower weights. Additional conference-ranked competitors include Birta McCaskill at 124, Makenzie Shaw at 131, Kaitlyn McAnelly at 138, Savannah Brehm and Paisley Jaeger at 145, Olivia Anderson at 160, Bridgette Price at 180, and Isabella Urias at 207. That balance across the lineup has been a consistent strength for Dickinson State throughout the season.
Providence enters the dual ranked fourth nationally and features one of the deepest lineups in the NAIA. The Argos boast multiple nationally ranked wrestlers across nearly every weight class, including the top-ranked athlete at 103 pounds in Erin Hikiji. Providence also brings ranked competitors at 110, 117, 124, 131, 138, 145, 160, and 180, underscoring the challenge the Blue Hawks will face on the road. Thursday's dual is expected to feature several notable individual matchups. At 131 pounds, Jumoke Adekoye is set to face Providence's Waipuilani Estrella-Beauchamp, who is ranked second nationally. At 110 pounds, Jenna Gerhardt is slated to meet second-ranked Paige Morales, setting up another key bout between ranked wrestlers early in the dual.
The contest marks an important measuring stick for Dickinson State against one of the NAIA's top programs and provides an opportunity for the Blue Hawks to continue building toward the postseason. With momentum from their most recent road win and depth throughout the lineup, Dickinson State will look to compete across all weights as they take on the Argos in Great Falls.
