EAST STROUDSBURG, PA — The Adrian College women’s wrestling team returned from a challenging East Stroudsburg duals event with a 1–5 record, but the results mask meaningful growth, grit, and individual promise for the Bulldogs.

A Test Against Tough Competition

Adrian opened the day against the host East Stroudsburg University squad and came up short, but not without encouraging moments. Graduate student Carleigh Czerneski narrowly edged her opponent in a 3–2 decision at 117 pounds, and freshman Zionah Gardner impressed with a pin at 145.

The Bulldogs then faced a run of difficult duals, falling to Western New England, Brock, Felician, and Lock Haven. Still, amid the losses, standout performances flashed. At 103 pounds, Alexis Baumgartner picked up a forfeit win, while Mia Gaetjens (180 pounds) secured a clutch pin. Czerneski added another dominant fall against Brock, and Gardner continued her strong mat presence with another fall later in the day.

In their final match, Adrian edged out Liberty University 23–20. Several key matches contributed: Baumgartner won via forfeit, Xsaria Puente (145) recorded a fall, Taylor Cutler (160) pinned her opponent, Raven Aldridge (180) earned a decision, and Gaetjens (207) sealed the dual with a fall.

Strength in Depth — and in Adversity

Coach Autumn Rux expressed satisfaction with how her roster handled adversity. The team entered the event without full depth, missing several weight classes due to illness or injury, which forced wrestlers to step into unfamiliar matchups. Rux noted that despite those challenges, her athletes competed hard — losses came against deep, nationally competitive lineups, while wins weren’t handed over lightly.

“This was a great opportunity to get the majority of our freshmen some mat time battling in a team environment,” Rux said. She emphasized that for a young program, exposure to this level of competition is invaluable.

Building on a Rich Tradition

Adrian’s women’s program has been steadily improving. Earlier this year, they competed in the NWCA Women’s National Duals, finishing 15th in a strong national field. During that event, Gaetjens earned a tech-fall victory, showcasing her potential on a bigger stage.

The Bulldogs’ willingness to test themselves against national-caliber programs reflects a broader culture of wrestling success at Adrian. The men’s team, for instance, has established a tradition of excellence, having defended the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship with an unblemished dual-meet record.

Compared to previous seasons — like the Adrian Duals in late 2024, when the women’s team leaned on forfeits to secure dual wins — this year feels different. In prior events, victories often came via unopposed weight classes. This time, wins and losses alike came through contested matches, signaling deeper and more resilient competitiveness.

What Stood Out — and What’s Next

Some of the most promising individual performances came from wrestlers who are building a foundation for the future. Czerneski, Gardner, Gaetjens, and Aldridge all demonstrated they can deliver under pressure. Gardner’s freshman pins, in particular, suggest a high ceiling.

Coach Rux is optimistic. She noted that the lessons from East Stroudsburg — dealing with lineup gaps, facing tough opponents, and seizing rare opportunities — will pay dividends during the rest of the season. Her goal is to turn these flashes into consistency: more dual wins, reliable performances, and stronger bids at national events.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will refocus and aim to translate individual strides into sustained team success. The challenge will be maintaining momentum, building depth, and continuing to show up in competitive environments. If the East Stroudsburg duals were any indication, Adrian has the mindset — and the talent — to do just that.