The conclusion of the 2023-2024 Women’s collegiate season was contested at the NCWWC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this past Friday and Saturday.
Former Antigo wrestling standout Alexandra Hofrichter qualified for the national tournament with a 3rd place finish at regionals a couple weeks ago. On the strength of those victories, Hofrichter entered the tournament with a national ranking of 8th. Hofrichter was able to string together 4 victories over 2 days to finish in 7th place.
Competing for the University of Dubuque, Hofrichter would face Paige Maher of Simon Fraser University in the first round of the championship bracket. Maher entered the tournament ranked 10th in the nation, so this was one of the more anticipated first round matchups.
Maher was able to score first, using double underhooks to set up a trip for a two-point takedown 23 seconds into the match. Hofrichter would tie the match with a head and arm counter off of a body lock for a two-point takedown 50 seconds later. At the midpoint of the first round, Hofrichter would secure an overhook, step into a farside underhook, and launch Maher with a lateral drop for a four-point takedown. Maher would not be able to get off her back, with Hofrichter earning the pinfall victory at 1:41 of the first round.
Hofrichter would face Jordan Palmer of John Carroll University in the second championship round.
Hofrichter would score first, using an overhook to cause Palmer to back off the mat for a pushout point 21 seconds into the match.
At the 42 second mark, Hofrichter would secure a trapped arm body lock and executed a suplex for a four-point takedown, and then used the trap arm for a gut wrench, increasing her lead to 7-0.
40 seconds later, Hofrichter would duplicate the finish of her first match, using an overhook to step into a farside underhook, hitting a lateral drop for a four- point takedown, this time earning the pinfall at 1:21 of the first round.
The pair of victories led a match to the top ranked wrestler in the nation, and defending national champion, Marlynne Deede of Iowa.
Deede was able to score first, using an underhook to secure a nearside single leg for the initial takedown 38 seconds into the match. Deede would then use an underhook to hit a far leg single leg for a takedown with exposure at the midpoint of the first period. Deede would counter an armspin for a takedown. As the round expired, Deede would use a short offense attack to create exposure, securing the technical fall period as the period expired.
Hofrichter would come back strong in her next match, this time facing Skylah Chakouian of Elmira College in the 4th consolation round. Hofrichter would score the initial takedown 32 seconds into the match with a bodylock to a trip, earning a two-point takedown, and then immediately executing a gutwrench for a four-point lead. At the sixty-seven second mark, Hofrichter would use an underhook to snap Chakouian to the mat, spinning behind her opponent for the takedown and again hitting an immediate gutwrench, increasing Hofrichter’s lead to 8. Hofrichter would then counter a bodylock with a headthrow, earning a four-point takedown, and pinning Chakouian in the process at 2:17 of the first round. The victory would guarantee Hofrichter a spot on the podium and an All-American finish.
In the consolation semi-finals, Hofrichter would face fourth ranked Dalia Garibay of Colorado Mesa University. Garibay would score first, using a pair of slide by’s to earn a pair of takedowns. Hofrichter would get on the board with an overhook that caused Garibay to flee off the mat, giving Hofrichter a point. Hofrichter would earn another pushout point 20 seconds later. At the end of the first period, Hofrichter would take the lead with an overhook lateral for a four-point takedown, leading to a 6-4 Hofrichter lead after the first period.
In the second period, Garibay would secure a takedown with a bodylock to tie the match, and then a takedown with a single leg to take the lead. Hofrichter would keep constant pressure on Garibay for the remainder of the match, but was unable to score, leading to an 8-6 decision victory for Garibay.
In the seventh-place match, Hofrichter would face Nina Makem of Augsburg University. Makem entered the tournament as the third ranked wrestler in the nation. Makem would score first, earning a pushout point 57 seconds into the match. Hofrichter would come back strong, sprawling hard on a Makem shot attempt, locking up an overhook, and sending Makem through the air and onto her back, earning Hofrichter the pinfall victory at 1:18 of the first round.
An amazing tournament concluded a fantastic Freshman year for Alexandra Hofrichter, and the Antigo Wrestling Club is very proud of what she has accomplished thus far.
NCWWC Championships 155
Alex Hofrichter’s place is 7th and has scored 14.5 team points.
- Champ. Round 1 – Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) won by fall over Paige Maher (Simon Fraser University) (Fall 1:41)
- Champ. Round 2 – Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) won by fall over Jordan Palmer (John Carroll) (Fall 1:21)
- Quarterfinal – Marlynne Deede (Iowa) won by tech fall over Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) (TF 11-1)
- Cons. Round 4 – Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) won by fall over Skylah Chakouian (Elmira College) (Fall 2:17)
- Cons. Round 5 – Dalia Garibay (Colorado Mesa University) won by decision over Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) (Dec 8-6)
- 7th Place Match – Alex Hofrichter (Dubuque) won by fall over Nina Makem (Augsburg University) (Fall 1:18)
Comments