YORK, PA. (December 7, 2024) – The Golden Bears traveled to York, Pennsylvania, for the York College of Pennsylvania Invitational inside the M&T Bank Field House. The women's wrestling program would pick up their first tournament win in program history, with Tanya Teneva, Noelle Alexander, and Atiyana Williams becoming the first individual tournament champions in program history. Atiyana Williams was also named Outstanding Wrestler for the Invitational.

How it Happened:

The historic day not only saw three champions but thirteen wrestlers placed in their respective weight class tournaments. Starting with the 103 lb. weight class. Gianna Hernandez went 2-2 on the day and earned fourth place in the Invitational. Hernandez's two wins were via VFA 4-2 and VFA 7-0. Victoria Orender would place third in the 110 lb. weight class. Orender went 4-1 on the day, with a win via VFA 5-0 to start the day, then a win via VFA 4-0, a win via VFA 2-0, and a win via VFA 4-2 to claim third place. Rowan MacIntosh finished in fifth place in the 117 lb. weight class. MacIntosh went 5-2 on the day. MacIntosh picked up wins via VFO, VFA 6-2, VSU1 14-1, and VSU1 14-4 to earn fifth place. Linda Holeman and Ariel Casella each placed in the 124 lb. weight class tournament. Holeman went 4-1 with wins via VFA 6-0, VPO1 10-2, VFA 2-0, and VFA 4-2 to earn third place in the tournament. Casella went 2-3 with wins via VPO1 11-6 and VFA 0-0 to earn sixth place. The 131 lb. weight class saw both Jaden Coppins and Abigail Alicandro place in the tournament. Coppins placed fourth, and Alicandro placed fifth. Coppins went 4-2 with wins via VFA 7-4, VFA 4-0, VFA 4-4, and VSU 10-0. Alicandro went 3-2 with wins via VFA 9-2, VFA 4-0, and VIN 0-0.

The 138 lb. weight class saw one of WNE's three tournament champions wrestle. Tanya Teneva went 3-0 on the day with wins via VFA 9-1, VSU 10-0, and VPO1 9-4 to be crowned champion. The 145 lb. weight class saw Noelle Alexander get crowned champion after going 4-0 with wins via VSU1 16-6, VFA 4-2, VFA 13-4, and VFA 8-3. Kendall Branchaud earned third place in the 145 lb. weight class. Branchaud went 4-1 with wins via VFA 8-0, VFA 6-3, VFA 12-6, and VFA 6-4. Atiyana Williams was crowned champion in the 160 lb. weight class. Williams went 4-0, with wins via VFA 6-0, VFA 6-0, VFA 8-4, and VFA 4-0. That performance from Williams earned Williams the honor of being named the Invitational's Outstanding Wrestler. The 180 lb. weight class tournament saw two more Golden Bears place at the Invitational. Shalom Feliz-Lopez went 4-1, with wins via VFA 5-2, VPO1 10-2, VFA 13-4, and VFA 8-7 to earn third place in the 180 lb. weight class tournament. Mikayla Maloy went 3-3 on the day with wins via VFA 2-0, VSU1 12-2, and VFA 4-4 to earn sixth place in the tournament. The thirteen placements during the Invitational would allow WNE to earn enough points to win their first Invitational in program history.

Coach's Corner:

Each weight class champion was asked what it means to become the program's first tournament champions and how they were each able to achieve the feat.

Atiyana Williams stated that, "To become one of the programs' first tournament champions is to set history and walk on that same path, enlightening the purpose of Women's Wrestling. Through recovery, manifestation, technical skills, and a predator mindset, I was able to prove why I stepped on those mats in the first place."

"It feels amazing to be a part of something great. I'm making history, and I get to do it alongside a team I couldn't be more grateful for. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this without my coaches and family," Noelle Alexander answered.

Tanya Teneva mentioned that, "I'm really happy to be one of the first tournament champions for the program, and I'm proud of what we've achieved together as a team. We've been working hard, and this is just one step closer to achieving even bigger goals."

Head Coach Tyler Keane was asked for a comment about the invitational and what the win means. "We wrestled with a lot of heart today and came in ready from the start. It was a total team effort, and we pulled out some gritty wins. Tanya, Noelle, and Atiyana becoming our first tournament champions is a true testament to how hard they've been working in and out of the room. Having 13 placers overall, with so many wrestling back tough and putting big points on the board, was incredible. I'm really excited to keep this momentum going and see everything we're going to achieve together. We're grateful for every opportunity and even more thankful to share it with a team we love."

Up Next on the Schedule:

WNE will go on winter break and will be back on the mats on Saturday, January 4, 2025, as they travel to Henniker, N.H., for a showdown with New England College inside Bridges Gymnasium at noon.