Lindsey Rywolt of Women's Wrestling Qualifies for 2026 NCAA Championships
Rywolt led a UB team that finished ninth at NCAA Regionals on Sunday in Elmira, N.Y.
ELMIRA, N.Y. – History was made on Sunday in Elmira, N.Y., as sophomore Lindsey Rywolt punched her ticket to the first-ever NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships with a third-place finish at 131 lbs at the NCAA Regionals. With the milestone performance, Rywolt will represent the University of Bridgeport on the national stage on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa.
Rywolt capped off a remarkable weekend by rising to the occasion when it mattered most. After compiling a 3-1 record on Saturday to advance to Sunday's third-place bout, she entered the morning needing one more victory to secure her spot in the historic inaugural NCAA Championship field.
With everything on the line, Rywolt delivered in emphatic fashion. She pinned Madison Wellen of D'Youville at the 2:06 mark, sealing the victory and officially clinching her berth to nationals. The triumph not only extended her standout season but also etched her name into program history as a national qualifier.
As a team, the Purple Knights finished ninth overall at the regional championship.
In other action on Sunday, Jocelyn Sanchez closed her tournament on a high note, earning a 12-0 technical fall to capture sixth place at 103 pounds. Jelene Lainez also competed in a sixth-place bout at 160 pounds, narrowly falling in a tightly contested match to wrap up her weekend.
UP NEXT
Rywolt will compete in the NCAA Championships in Coralville, Iowa on March 6-7.