Rodriguez Named KCAC Wrestler of the Week to Open New Year

Cristelle Rodriguez has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Women's Wrestler of the Week, presented by Equity Bank, after her performance at the NWCA National Duals for Doane. This marks the second time this season and sixth time in her career that she has received the honor.

Rodriguez, a sophomore from Clovis, California, went 4-0 in the duals the Tigers competed in on the week. She is now 13-0 on the season, holding down her No. 1 ranking at 123.

She opened action with a 17-2 tech fall win over Fernanda Lopez of Southern Oregon. Lopez is ranked No. 2 at 116 in the NAIA. In her second match, she defeated Sophia Smith of Oklahoma City by decision, 8-4. Smith is ranked No. 2 at 123 in the NAIA.

The second day of action began with Rodriguez defeating Grecia Martinez of William Penn by pin in 42 seconds. Martinez is ranked No. 18 at 123 in the NAIA. The final match resulted in a 10-0 tech fall win over Zoe Shariq of Baker. Shariq is ranked fifth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), a spot behind Martinez who is fourth in the HAAC conference rankings.

The Tigers return to action this weekend at the York Open on Saturday, January 13. Rodriguez, though, will not be competing.