Wrestling | 1/8/2026 11:15:00 AM
DENTON, Texas (Jan. 8, 2026) - Texas Woman's Wrestling continues to make their presence felt on the national stage, as four Pioneers earned spots in the latest The Open Mat NCAA Women's Wrestling individual rankings.
TWU placed four wrestlers inside the top 20 at their respective weight classes, reflecting the team's depth early in the season.
At 124 pounds, Brooke Zejda remained steady at No. 15 for the second consecutive week. Zejda owns a 9-5 record this season and picked up a key ranked win on Dec. 2, defeating previously ranked No. 10Â Laura Alcantar Soto of Simon Fraser. She went 2-0 in her most recent competition and continues to be a consistent presence in the Pioneer lineup.
Competing at 145 pounds, Maegan Flaherty checked in at No. 16, holding her position from the previous week. Flaherty carries a 7-6 record into the upcoming slate of competition and has faced a challenging schedule against nationally competitive opponents.
At 160 pounds, Poorna Babu earned her way into the rankings at No. 20, marking her first appearance in the national poll this season. Babu enters the week with a 7-8 record, and her ranking reflects continued improvement and persistence against a deep weight class.
In the heavyweight division, Kitana Leofatato remained inside the top 10 at No. 9 for the second straight week. Leofatato holds a 5-3 record on the year and owns a ranked victory over previously ranked No. 19 Gemma Templeman of Emmanuel on Nov. 21. She went 1-1 in her most recent bouts.
With four wrestlers ranked across four different weight classes, the Pioneers continue to establish themselves as a rising force in NCAA women's wrestling. TWU will look to continue building momentum as the season progresses and competition intensifies.
-PIONEERS-
