ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University women's wrestling team closed out the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Championships with several podium performances, led by a determined third-place finish from Lily Avalos at 160 pounds with multiple top-five results within the lineup.

Avalos put together an impressive run through the 160-pound bracket, responding to earlier setbacks with composure and urgency in the placement rounds. Competing with confidence, Avalos secured her spot on the podium by dominating the third-place match with a 12–1 technical fall over Josie Hosea of Carthage College, earning Elmhurst's highest individual finish of the championships. Her performance represented a steady climb through the bracket including a match resulting in a 6-5 decision reflecting the growth she has shown throughout the season.

Elmhurst also earned a lone fourth-place finishes. At 180 pounds, Juliana Lefort advanced to the third-place bout after a Fall 2:10 in her first match-up.

The Bluejays added several fifth-place finishes to round out their conference run. Claire Crouch claimed fifth at 103 pounds, closing her tournament with a first-period fall in the placement match. At 117 pounds, Valentina Fantoni earned fifth after a technical fall victory over a teammate, while Kendall Smith secured fifth at 124 pounds with a quick pin in 59 seconds. Grace Johnson added another fifth-place result at 145 pounds, winning a tight 10-8 decision in the placement match.

Elmhurst was represented across every weight class at the conference meet, with additional appearances from Jala Singleton (117), Bella Curcuru and Nyima Outlaw (131), Mallory Matuga (180), and others gaining valuable postseason experience against the league's top competition.

Elmhurst placed 4th overall, lacking representation of multiple starters for this event. Elmhurst will look to gain more ground at the DIII National Invite hosted by Augustana, in Rock Island, Ill. on February 7-8th.