NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The University of Providence women's wrestling program placed second as a team at the North Central Open on Sunday.

#1 sophomore Erin Hikiji defeated three ranked opponents including the #1 ranked wrestler in the NCAA to take home first place for the Argos. Hikiji went 4-0 overall with wins over #10 Riley Banyas of Campbellsville and #6 Esther Walker of Midland before beating #1 Maddie Avila in the championship. Head coach Matt Atwood stated, "Erin continued her dominance this year, not only solidifying she's #1 in the NAIA but making an argument that she's #1 in all divisions.  She continues to get better every week and is a joy to watch compete!"

Freshman Paige Morales took second place and went 3-1 cruising her way past Kealonie Vega, Alyssa Valdivia, and #7 Tehani Soares of Indiana Tech before falling in the championship. Atwood on Morales stated, "Morales had a great weekend, picked up some significant wins and is gaining confidence every week, she's going to continue to climb the ladder and will be one to watch at the national tournament! "

The Argos also had two wrestlers place third in #7 senior Sadie Antoque and freshman Alyssa Randles. Randles defeated #14 Cameron Ortiz in her first match of the day to advance to the quarterfinals. Atwood stated, "Alyssa Randles had a great tournament this weekend only losing to the eventual outstanding wrestler award winner of the tournament. Sadie also had another breakout tournament this weekend! I love to watch her when she's in her element, she is finding her confidence early this year and I think it will continue to show how good she is!"

Another highlight of the tournament was redshirt freshman Kailey Rees picking up a ranked win on her way to taking sixth defeating #3 Lili Ujfalvi (NCAA) of Gannon University in the quarterfinals. "Kailey Rees had a great showing this weekend as well! When she wrestles with sound fundamentals, she is tough to beat, she does a good job staying calm and keeping her composure and when she does that great things happen, she was able to take out #3 in the NCAA this weekend!"

The Argos will be back in action Jan. 5-6 for National Duals in Cedar Falls, IA. UP will begin wrestling at 8:00 a.m. (MDT) in the Alliant Energy Powerhouse.   

RESULTS
Women 101
1^st - Erin Hikiji (4-0)
Isa Bocanegra (1-2)

Women 109
2^nd - Paige Morales (3-1)
Kayla Shota (0-2)

Women 116
4^th - Isabelle Asuncion (3-2)
Ani Arias (3-2)

Women 123
Alicia Frank (1-2)
Kivah Caballero (1-2)

Women 130
3^rd - Alyssa Randles (4-1)
Paige Respicio (3-2)

Women 143
6^th - Kailey Rees (3-3)

Women 155
3^rd - Sadie Antoque (4-1)
6^th - Kassidy Sigda (3-3)

Women 170
Kacey Lee Pua (3-2)
Joji Miner-Ho (2-2)

Women 191
Lexi Tupuola (1-2)