Dupage Policy Journal

After two intense days at Xtream Arena, the North Central College women's wrestling team concluded the 2025 NCWWC National Championships as national runners-up. Sydney Petzinger (117) and Amani Jones (124) secured national champion titles in their respective weight classes, contributing to the team's overall performance. The Cardinals had 12 wrestlers earn All-American honors.

The University of Iowa clinched its second consecutive national title with a total of 201.5 points. North Central followed closely with 181 points, while McKendree University and Grand Valley State University both scored 158.5 points, and King University earned 92.5 points.

Sydney Petzinger, ranked second, began her day by defeating fourth-ranked Karissa Tunrwall from Emmanuel University in the semifinals of the 117-weight class with a 10-1 decision. In the finals, she faced third-ranked Clare Boone from King University and won with a 10-6 decision to claim her first national championship and fourth All-American honor.

"My moms have done everything for me since I started wrestling when I was seven. I owe it all to them," Petzinger expressed.

Amani Jones, top-ranked in the 124-weight class, reached her second consecutive NCWWC finals after defeating fifth-ranked Aspen Blasko from Grand Valley State University in the semifinals. She went on to beat third-ranked Shelby Moore from McKendree University with a 5-0 decision in the finals, becoming a back-to-back national champion.

"I am really excited I got to end my final season with a win in front of my teammates after all the support they've given me," said Jones.

Sara Sterner (131), ranked first, won against second-ranked Alexandra Szkotnicki from McKendree with an 8-4 decision in the semifinals but lost to Alexis Janiak also from McKendree in the finals due to an unsuccessful challenge on a call as time expired.

Bella Mir competed against former teammate Reese Larramendy from Iowa in the semifinals of the 145-weight class and won with a score of 6-3. In another match against former teammate Kilty Macey from Iowa, Mir fell short by another close score of 6-3, finishing as runner-up.

In other matches: Kendra Ryan (110) achieved third place; Taylor Graveman (138) finished fifth; Shenita Lawson (180) took fourth place; Brittyn Corbishley pinned opponents to secure fifth place; Traeh Haynes (207) finished fifth; Maddie Avila placed seventh; Sydney Perry ended eighth; Tiera Jimerson also placed eighth.

North Central completed their season with a dual record of 13-1 and maintained an undefeated record within their conference (CCIW). They were named NCWWC Region IV Champions for two consecutive years. Coach Norton received recognition as NWCA Women's Coach of the National Tournament for four straight years while Corbishley earned accolades for most falls in minimal time for two years running.