The No. 8 Missouri Valley College women's wrestling team placed third at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship, showcasing impressive talent with two individual champions and eight automatic qualifiers for the upcoming national championship. Maria Slaughter, ranked No. 15, claimed victory in the 160-pound category, while No. 12 Sarina Bertram emerged as the champion at 145 pounds. The team scored 161.5 points, falling behind William Penn and Grand View, who scored 215 and 214 points, respectively.

By the Numbers
  • Missouri Valley finished third with 161.5 points.
  • Eight wrestlers qualified for the 2026 NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championship.
State of Play
  • Two individual champions: Maria Slaughter (160 lbs) and Sarina Bertram (145 lbs).
  • Upcoming national championship scheduled for March 13-14 in Wichita, Kansas.
What's Next

The eight automatic qualifiers will prepare to compete at the national level, with remaining at-large qualifiers expected to be announced soon. The team's focus will be on strengthening performance and refining techniques ahead of the championship.

Bottom Line

Missouri Valley College's performance illustrates not only the strength of their wrestling program but also positions them strongly for the upcoming national championship. Their success at the conference level sets the stage for hopeful achievements at the national event.