Northern Michigan University Women Wrestlers Host Intrasquad on Superior Dome Floor This Afternoon

Northern Michigan University's Women's Wrestling Team Prepares for Upcoming Season with Superior Dome Intrasquad

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) women's wrestling team will host an intrasquad scrimmage on the Superior Dome floor this afternoon at 2 p.m. The scrimmage is open to the public and will provide fans with a first look at the 2023-24 Wildcats.

NMU Women's Wrestling Team Set for Intrasquad Scrimmage

The Wildcats are coming off a successful 2022-23 season in which they finished with a 10-6 dual record and placed ninth at the NCAA Division II Championships. NMU returns four All-Americans from last year's team, including junior Kayla DeSoto, who finished third at 101 pounds.

NMU head coach Adam Aho said he is excited to see his team compete in front of a home crowd. "This is a great opportunity for our fans to get a glimpse of the future of NMU women's wrestling," Aho said. "We have a lot of talented young wrestlers on this team, and I'm confident that they will put on a great show."

Wildcats Look to Build on Last Season's Success

The Wildcats will be led by DeSoto, who is ranked No. 1 in the preseason at 101 pounds. DeSoto is a two-time All-American and the 2022 NCAA Division II Champion at 101 pounds. She is one of the most decorated wrestlers in NMU history.

NMU also returns All-Americans Alexis Piccarreto (116 pounds), Makayla Garcia (130 pounds), and Jaylynn Galvez (136 pounds). Piccarreto is a two-time All-American and finished fifth at 116 pounds last season. Garcia is a three-time All-American and finished seventh at 130 pounds last season. Galvez is a two-time All-American and finished eighth at 136 pounds last season.

The Wildcats have added several talented recruits to this year's team, including freshman Aaliyah Cardenas (109 pounds), who is a two-time Michigan state champion. Cardenas is ranked No. 2 in the preseason at 109 pounds.

Intrasquad Scrimmage a Tune-Up for Upcoming Season

The intrasquad scrimmage will give the Wildcats a chance to work on their skills and get ready for the upcoming season. NMU opens the season on Nov. 11 at the Missouri Valley Open. The Wildcats will then host the NMU Open on Nov. 19.

The Wildcats are scheduled to wrestle 10 duals during the regular season, including five home matches. NMU will host Ashland University on Jan. 20, Lake Superior State University on Jan. 27, and Davenport University on Feb. 10.

The Wildcats will compete at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championships on Feb. 24-25 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NCAA Division II Championships will be held on March 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.