Wrestling | 11/20/2025 12:48:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Nov. 20, 2025) – Texas Woman's wrestling is back on the road this weekend as the Pioneers head to Marshall, Missouri, for the annual Missouri Valley Open on Friday and Saturday. The tournament marks TWU's second major event of the season.
The Missouri Valley Open is widely regarded as one of the most competitive midseason tournaments in women's collegiate wrestling, featuring elite programs and high-level individual matchups. For TWU, it represents a key checkpoint in their early-season progress after a pair of recent duals against McMurry and Tarleton.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Can't make the trip? Fans can still follow every match through the event's live stream to stay connected with the action.
- TWU @ Missouri Valley Open
The Pioneers will wrestle across multiple weight classes, with preliminary rounds beginning early in the morning and advancement rounds continuing throughout the two-day tournament.
A LOOK BACK
- The 2025 event marks TWU's fourth straight appearance at the Missouri Valley Open. The Pioneers saw strong individual performances in their 2024 outing, highlighted by Maegan Flaherty, who finished eighth after recording five head-to-head wins. Flaherty's efforts earned 15.5 team points, making her the only Pioneer to advance to the finals and helping TWU establish a competitive footing against a loaded field.
- With added depth, returning experience, and a promising freshman class, the Pioneers aim to build on last year's results and continue their upward trajectory.
PIONEERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Alexa Rodriguez – Freshman, 103 lbs
Rodriguez has wasted no time making an impact in her debut season. In TWU's last dual against McMurry, she opened the night with a dominant performance, scoring 10 points in just 45 seconds to secure the win at 103 pounds. Her explosive style earned TWU their first four team points of the evening and showcased her potential heading into her first Missouri Valley Open.
Samaria Barnett – Junior, 180 lbs
Barnett enters the weekend riding momentum from her matchup against Tarleton. Barnett delivered a crucial five-point move to claim a technical fall, pulling TWU back within three team points at 23–20. Her ability to flip matches in key moments makes her a major factor in the upper weights.
Maegan Flaherty – Junior, 145 lbs
Flaherty continues to be one of TWU's most consistent performers. Against McMurry, she controlled the pace from the start, scoring 10 unanswered points to secure a technical fall at 145 pounds. With a strong history at the Missouri Valley Open—including last year's finals appearance—Flaherty is expected to play a pivotal role again this weekend.
Brooke Zejda – Senior, 124 lbs
Zejda delivered back-to-back standout performances in the Pioneers' recent duals. Versus McMurry, she scored 10 points in one minute and 10 seconds to win by technical fall, swinging the match in TWU's favor. She followed that with a second win of the night against Tarleton, recording a pin in four minutes and two seconds. The senior's ability to finish matches efficiently will be a valuable asset in a large-bracket tournament environment.
-PIONEERS-
