MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's women wrestled tough with No. 13 nationally-ranked Wartburg, winning three of the final four matches in Wednesday's 24-13 dual loss on Senior Night inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Coach Boston Jacobs' Rams (4-5) scored in five of the six contested bouts, highlighted by back-to-back technical falls from first-year Graciela Juarez and senior Olivia Cotton at 145 and 160 pounds, respectively.
 
First-year Tori Maxey brought the home crowd to its feet with a comeback victory over Elizabeth Kalinay in the final match at 207. Maxey scored a takedown with 50 seconds left that tied it at 2-2, which stood through regulation. Maxey was awarded the win based on tiebreaker criteria – highest value scoring move.
 
Cotton celebrated her senior night with a 15-4 technical fall over Hailie Krueger in 5:06. The team leader in wins, Cotton boosted her season record to 14-5.
 
Senior 117-pounder Cheyenne Mulford also battled in her final collegiate dual meet, dropping a 4-2 decision to Hope Chiattello. Mulford (12-9) earned a takedown late in the second period before running out of time.   
 
Juarez dominated Izzy Giza with a 12-2 technical fall at 145. She improved to 9-3.
 
Wartburg (10-1) received technical falls at 138 (Rachel Fode 10-0 over Averi Burke) and 180 (Erika Peterson 13-3 over Sidney Zimmerman). The Knights also benefited from forfeit wins at 124 and 131.
 
The teams double forfeited at the opening two weights of the meet.
 
Seniors Cotton and Mulford were recognized before the dual for their contributions to Cornell's program, which they helped start during the 2022-23 academic year.
 
Coming up – The Rams host the Cliff Keen-Mike Duroe Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday in the arena of the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.