ELMHURST, Ill. — The Carthage women's wrestling team competed in the 2026 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women's Wrestling Championships hosted by Elmhurst University. The Firebirds placed fifth in a field of seven teams with 68.5 points.



At 103, Kirsten Cortez opened with a win by fall over North Central (6-4, 3:55). Cortez then lost by fall in the semifinal against Aurora (10-0, 5:17) to advance to the third place match, which ended in a 6-2 decision defeat for Cortez, who secured a fourth place finish. Meanwhile, Crystal Gutierrez placed eighth in the weight class.

Karina Torres placed fourth at 110, earning a 14-1 tech fall over Augustana (2:29). 

At 117, Rebecca Di Silvestro placed seventh after defeating Illinois Wesleyan on an 8-2 decision.

At 124, Alaina Hollendoner placed fourth overall. Hollendoner opened with a 7-1 decision over Augustana, before falling on a 10-0 tech fall in the semifinals. Hollendoner's day ended with a 9-4 loss to North Central in the third place match.

Abigail Jutrzonka placed fifth at the 138 division. Jutrzonka opened the day with a loss by fall (1:04) in the opening round before bouncing back in the consolation bracket with a win by fall over Aurora (10,4 (5:41). Jutrzonka then lost by tech fall (10-0, 0:55) to advance to the fifth place match, where the freshman earned a victory by fall (2-0, 0:41) over MSOE.

At 160, Josie Hosea started with a 5-2 victory over Elmhurst before being defeated by tech fall in the semifinals. Hosea then defeated Aurora with a fall (2:54) to advance to the third place match, where the day would end with a 12-1 tech fall loss to Elmhurst. 

Makenna Bovee placed seventh in the 180 division.

Jasmin Ocampo placed fifth in the 207 division, with a win over Augustana.




"Today was bitter sweet," said Head Coach Tarkyia Mensah. "We wrestled former adversaries who beat us better and beat some tough opponents. The goal was to measure ourselves in preparation for what's to come and to take some notes back. As I said, it was a bittersweet day."



The Firebirds (5-8) return to action on Saturday, Feb. 7 as the team will compete in the Division III National Invite hosted by Augustana in Rock Island, Ill. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.