McAtee and Dutton Lead Trojans with Fourth-Place Finishes
The Colby Trojans women’s wrestling team sent seven competitors to the AU Women’s Eagle Open on Sunday, gaining valuable mat time and experience against a deep field of regional competition.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Trojans women's wrestling team sent seven competitors to the AU Women's Eagle Open on Sunday (Dec. 14), gaining valuable mat time and experience against a deep field of regional competition.
Leading the Trojans was Kaylen McAtee at 160 pounds, who turned in a strong performance to place fourth overall. McAtee opened the tournament with three straight victories, including a pair of fall wins and a decision to advance into the championship bracket. Wrestling for third place, McAtee came up short in a tightly contested bout, falling at 5:44 to host-school wrestler Amitria McNack, closing the day with four wins and a top-four finish.
Destiny Gonzalez also delivered a solid showing for Colby at 145 pounds, finishing 2–2 on the day. Gonzalez picked up two decisive victories, earning a technical fall in one match and securing a pin in another, showcasing her offensive pace and ability to score points quickly.
Audrie Felkins added to the Trojans' win column with a fall victory in her opening bout before dropping her next two matches against tough opposition. Despite the results, Felkins gained valuable experience competing in multiple matches against quality opponents.
Colby also had two wrestlers compete unattached in Catherine Dutton and Aspen Sharpe at the Eagle Open, highlighted by a strong showing from Dutton at 207 pounds. Dutton finished fourth overall after a resilient run through the bracket. She opened the tournament with a bye before dropping her first match of the day, then responded by winning three straight bouts to fight her way back into the third-place match.
During that stretch, She recorded back-to-back emphatic wins, highlighted by a fall at 2:26 over No. 3-ranked Wyntergale Oxendine of Indian Hills, followed by a technical fall at 2:20. In the third-place bout, Dutton was matched up once again with the opponent who handed her the opening-round loss, and despite a strong effort, came up short, finishing the day just outside the podium.
Colby will look to build on its performances from the AU Women's Eagle Open as the Trojans resume competition following a month-long break. The Trojans will open the new year at the York College Open (Jan. 17) before returning to dual action at the NJCAA Coaches Association Duals (Jan. 24).