Wrestling | 11/12/2026 2:38:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Nov. 12, 2026) - Texas Woman's wrestling hits the road this weekend as the Pioneers travel to Marshall, Mo., for the annual Missouri Valley Open on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14. The tournament marks TWU's second major competition of the season following an encouraging opening weekend in Colorado.
The Pioneers enter the weekend looking to build on five top-five finishes at the Maverick Open, highlighted by sophomore Kitana Leofatato, who captured the 207-pound championship with a perfect 3-0 record. TWU also earned a pair of runner-up finishes and two fifth-place performances, showcasing their depth across multiple weight classes.
The Missouri Valley Open provides another opportunity for the Pioneers to test themselves against a competitive national field and continue building momentum early in the season.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fans unable to make the trip to Marshall can follow the Pioneers throughout the weekend through the event's live results and streaming coverage.
The two-day tournament will feature competition across multiple weight classes, with wrestlers looking to advance through their respective brackets and earn individual finishes.
A LOOK BACK
The Pioneers return to Marshall following a challenging 2025 appearance, where TWU gained valuable experience against one of the nation's strongest tournament fields. Maegan Flaherty led the Pioneers last season with a 4-2 record, battling through six matches at 160 pounds. Samaria Barnett and Kitana Leofatato also put together strong performances, each finishing 3-2 at 180 and 207 pounds, respectively. Five additional Pioneers finished with 2-2 records, giving TWU eight wrestlers with .500 or better records.
With returning experience and early-season momentum, the Pioneers look to build on last year's individual performances and make another statement against a competitive field.
PIONEERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Kitana Leofatato - Sophomore, 207 lbs
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Leafatato enters the Missouri Valley Open following a standout season debut at the Maverick Open. The sophomore went undefeated at 3-0 to capture the 207-pound championship, earning her first tournament title as a Pioneer. She also opened the weekend with a dominant 10-0 technical fall victory against Colorado Mesa's Alena Bartley in dual action. Leafatato's strong start makes her one to watch as she looks to carry that momentum into Marshall.
Jordyn Parker - Freshman, 138 lbs
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Parker made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, earning TWU's first dual victory of the season with a 12-2 technical fall against Colorado Mesa's Thalia Vogelsang. She carried that performance into Sunday's tournament, posting a 3-1 record to finish runner-up at 138 pounds. Her ability to compete in both dual and tournament formats will be valuable as the Pioneers head into another demanding weekend.
Mackenzie Blue - Sophomore, 145 lbs
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Blue delivered one of the weekend's most impressive performances at the Maverick Open, earning a runner-up finish at 145 pounds with a 4-1 record. She also picked up a victory in Saturday's dual against Colorado Mesa, defeating Delarie Juarez by fall at 4:29. Blue's strong debut gives TWU another competitive presence in the middle weights heading into the Missouri Valley Open.
Samaria Barnett - Sophomore, 180 lbs
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Barnett opened her season with a fifth-place finish at the Maverick Open, posting a 3-2 record at 180 pounds. The junior battled through a challenging weekend, responding to a tough decision loss in Saturday's dual with three victories in Sunday's tournament. Her experience and consistency in the upper weights will be important as TWU looks to build on its season-opening results.
Alexa Rodriguez - Sophomore, 103 lbs
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Rodriguez also earned a fifth-place finish at the Maverick Open, going 3-2 at 103 pounds. After dropping her opening dual match against Colorado Mesa, she responded with three tournament victories on Sunday. Rodriguez will look to continue that progress and make another strong showing against the Missouri Valley Open field.
The Pioneers will continue their road schedule with the Missouri Valley Open on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, in Marshall, Mo.
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