GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's wrestling team put up a great fight against the top-ranked team in the nation, Southern Oregon, but ultimately fell 31-17 Saturday night.

The Argos, who are ranked #14 in the nation, won the first three matches to jump out to a 14-0 lead. The Raiders came storming back however, recording six pins in the next seven matches to achieve the victory.

"There was a lot of matches that we gave up pins where we were in the match or winning the match before that," head coach Matt Atwood said. "We gave up some stupid points. We have a lot of stuff to fix. It's little things that we have to get corrected that would make a big difference for us. We're right there. That's the number one team in the country and we didn't put up a bad performance."

The coaching staff has been working on the team on being confident in themselves during their matches. After the dual tonight, a lot of the girls were upset with themselves, thinking they could have defeated their individual opponent.

"I think it took tonight for them to believe how good they are," Atwood said. "We've been telling them over and over again that they are a top team. They are an elite team. I don't think they truly believed it until we wrestled tonight. A lot of those girls feel like they gave up a loss. I hope they're more confident moving forward."

The team will need that additional confidence as the season progresses. The team will be off for the rest of the break to celebrate the holidays, but will be back in action on Jan. 6 for the National Duals.

"I'm pretty excited for what we can do there," Atwood said. "We have to get some girls healthy. We have to fix a few things. I expect some good things at the National Duals."
 
 Results
101 – Ivy Navarro over Karly Scott (TF)
109 – Lana Hunt over Valeree Orenelas (injury forfeit)
116 – Ashley Gooman over Carol Johnson (Fall)
123 – Caroline Moreno over Skylar Connelly (Fall)
130 – Jordynn Robson over Gabbie Parini (Fall)
136 – Paige Respicio over Jordynn Robson (D, 3-2)
143 – Ramona Jiminez over Morgan Mackey (Fall)
155 – Sienna Ramirez over Sadie Antoque (Fall)
170 – Bailey Dennis over Joji Miner-Ho (Fall)
191 – Karrah Smith over Lexi Tupuola (Fall)