LAKELAND, Fla. - Lock Haven University’s Rachael Groft (Abbottstown, Pa./New Oxford) placed second at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association’s Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Championship March 15th and16th at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL.

Rachael advanced to the women’s finals with impressive performances in her first two bouts, pinning her first opponent and then turning in a great performance to defeat Pacific University’s Summer Scott by an 8-3 count.

In the final, she dropped a hard fought contest to Simon Fraser’s Rita Pare, 9-6.

“It takes a good wrestler that’s ready to go to work to beat Rachael right now, and she’s only going to get better from here.” said Lady Eagle coach Terry Fike. “We were impressed with her opponents at this tournament. Summer Scott and Rita Pare had a tremendous battle the day before the finals. It was a war.” Fike continued. “After watching that bout we knew Rachael would have her work cut out for her. Rachael’s a real competitor, and she wrestled well on Saturday against two great opponents. We’re evaluating where she is right now, technically and physically, to develop a long term training plan. She’s looking forward to continuing to develop. She’s already very skilled, and I think she’s capable of wrestling at a very high level when all is done.”

Groft’s performance is also historic. It was the first ever women’s folkstyle collegiate tournament, and it is here to stay. Women’s wrestling is growing tremendously at all levels, and as a result the NCWA tournament will grow rapidly.

“Rachael has been instrumental in the growth of women’s wrestling here at Lock Haven. We have six other good athletes who have joined us since the beginning of the year, who I believe will eventually do very well. Also, we’ve landed our first recruit, a nationally ranked girl from Ohio. It’s a tribute to Rachael’s desire to compete and travel to events like the Sunkist International in Phoenix, the New York AC Holiday tournament, and competition in Canada. She wrestles with skill and a lot of heart. She’s represented Lady Eagle Wrestling well.” stated Fike.

Groft was joined in making history by LHU freshman Alexa Reynolds, and junior Jenny Benoist. Reynolds was 0-3 for the tournament, and Benoist went 0-2.

“Both these athletes were also part of making history for women’s wrestling by being competitors in this ‘first ever’ event. Lex wrestled well for a beginner. She just began wrestling for the first time in fall, and this was her first competition.”

Anyone women interested in Lady Eagles wrestling should contact Coach Fike at x4806, tfike@lhup.edu, room 224 Thomas Fieldhouse.