#WrestleAcapulco

Four must-see matches at the #WrestleAcapulco Pan-Ams

By Olivia Lichti

ACAPULCO, Mexico (April 28) --- The upcoming Pan-American Championships (May 5-8) are set to play host to the continent's biggest women’s wrestling stars. The crop of top-level talent heading to Mexico will feature a mix of veterans and rising stars, as two Olympic medalists, four returning champions and a pair of U23 world champions will try to stamp their names in the continental history books.

After seeing the entries, we broke down the four matches on the women’s wrestling side of the competition that wrestling fans need to see in Acapulco.

 

53kg: Sam STEWART (CAN) vs Luisa VALVERDE MELENDRES (ECU)
Though Sam STEWART (CAN) came just short of qualifying for the 2020 Olympics, giving up a deciding takedown in the final seconds of the Last Chance Qualifier semis, she rebounded strong in Oslo last year, winning her first world medal in the Norwegian capital. Her impressive run to bronze was capped off with a beautiful inside trip directly to the pin over Khrystyna BEREZA (UKR). Stewart will look to win her first continental medal since her last appearance at Pan-Ams in 2016, where she took gold at 55kg.

The Canadian’s primary challenger will be rival Luisa Elizabeth VALVERDE MELENDRES (ECU). The 31-year-old veteran owns an impressive seven Pan-Am medals, highlighted by a gold in 2020. Valverde also became an Olympian in Tokyo, where she beat world bronze medalist Maria Prevolaraki (GRE) in the opening round before ultimately falling in the quarterfinals. Like Stewart, Valverde attended the World Championships in Oslo last year, but fell just short of a medal, finishing in 5th place.

These two wiley veterans have faced each other in three exciting matches over the past two years, with the Ecuadoran leading the series 2-1. Valverde pinned Stewart at the 2020 Matteo Pellicone and defeated her 4-0 in the opening rounds of the Pan-Am Olympic Games Qualifier, though Stewart beat her dominantly for revenge in the bronze medal match. The next installment of this rivalry is a must-watch in Acapulco.

 

62kg: Ana GODINEZ GONZALEZ (CAN) vs Kayla MIRACLE (USA)
Wrestling fans have been treated to two matches between international stars Kayla Colleen Kiyoko MIRACLE (USA) and Ana Paula GODINEZ GONZALEZ (CAN) over the past two years, and the matchup has blossomed into an exciting rivalry. The first time the two faced each other, Miracle pulled away with a dominant 8-0 victory. The second time around, however, things were different: Godinez was able to close the gap, falling just short to Miracle in an intense 6-5 match.

Both these women have amassed some major credentials over the past two years- Miracle was a 2020 Olympian and went on to earn a world silver medal in Oslo, Norway, while Godinez picked up a U23 world title in Belgrade, Serbia. These women are undoubtedly both huge parts of the future of this weight class, and the exciting nature of their previous matches will make this a can’t-miss bout should they cross paths.

Justina DI STASIO (CAN) heads into Mexico looking to become a five-time Pan-Am champion. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

76kg: Justina DI STASIO (CAN) vs Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB) vs Tatiana RENTERIA (COL)
Even without six-time world champion Adeline GRAY (USA) or 2016 Olympic champion Erica WIEBE (CAN), the 76kg division will arguably be the deepest weight class contested across all styles. It’s headlined by 2018 72kg world champion Justina DI STASIO (CAN), who comes into this event as the on-paper favorite. Di Stasio has won four Pan-Am titles since 2015 and has long been a formidable competitor at heavyweight, though perhaps hasn’t had as much of an opportunity to prove herself internationally with compatriot Erica Wiebe owning the world team spot for many years.

Di Stasio will be challenged by a host of young talents. One of the prime challengers is Colombia’s Tatiana Renteria, who made a name for herself when she picked up a silver medal at the U23 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. She also owns a Junior Pan-Am title from 2019. Another youngster who’s had ample success on the age-level scene is Cuba’s Milaimys Marin Potrille. Marin debuted internationally in 2018, where she picked up a Cadet Pan-Am title and a Youth Olympic Games gold medal. She didn’t slow down the following year, winning junior and U23 world titles at the young age of 18. Though Marin Potrille has yet to amass any senior-level success, this tournament will provide her with the opportunity to pick up some substantial wins.

Such is the depth of the heavyweight field that even beyond these competitors there’s lots of credentialed women: keep an eye on Ecuador’s Genesis Rosangela REASCO VALDEZ (ECU), who took silver at this event last year with an 11-0 victory over 2014 world silver medalist Aline SILVA (BRA). Also in attendance are Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Linda MACHUCA (ARG) and Junior Pan-Am silver medallist Diamond GUILFORD (USA). As always, 76 kilos will be the women’s weight class to watch- make sure you don’t miss any matchups between these top hammers.

 

55kg: Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) vs Lucia YEPEZ GUZMAN (ECU)
2019 world champion Jacarra Gwenisha WINCHESTER (USA) will look to defend her 2021 continental title in Mexico this week. She’s back up at her optimal weight class of 55kg after a fifth-place finish at the Olympic Games at 53kg and will be the on-paper favorite to win gold here. However, her absence at the 2021 Worlds in Oslo after failing to make the US National Team is significant, and it’ll be interesting to see how she bounces back here- especially with a challenge like Lucia Yamileth YEPEZ GUZMAN (ECU).

Lucia Yepez broke out onto the senior international scene in 2021 after qualifying for the Olympics at 50kg at the Last Chance Qualifier in Bulgaria. She followed up that performance with a solid Olympic Games run, where she upset world medallist Valentina ISLAMOVA BRIK (KAZ) before ultimately falling to Yui SUSAKI (JPN) in the quarterfinals. She then bumped up to 53kg for the U23 World Championships in Serbia, where her dominant performance led her to become the first Ecuadorian woman to win a world title.

This will be Yepez’s first senior Pan-Ams, and her debut at 55kg. Though she has shown great promise in the lower weight classes, this competition will be an important test to see if she can hold her own against a new crop of tough women. A matchup between proven veteran Winchester and rising star Yepez will be a must-see.

All the Pan-Am championship action starts next Thursday (May 5), live on www.uww.org.

#WrestleAcapulco

Gray falls as Ecuador wins 2 golds; Dake dominant at Pan-Ams

By Gaurav Bhatt

ACAPULCO, Mexico (February 23) -- Day three of the Pan-American Championships saw two wrestling phenoms take the mat in Acapulco. But while four-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA) rag-dolled his opponents to win his fourth straight 74kg title at the event, six-time world champion Adeline GRAY (USA) stumbled against eventual 76kg champion Genesis REASCO (ECU) and had to settle for a bronze.

Nick SURIANO (61kg) and Chance MARSTELLER (86kg) also struck gold to make it three for Team USA, while Macey KILTY (USA) grabbed the 65kg gold. 

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) blanked her 53kg opponents to take Ecuador's second gold of the day.

Kyle DAKE (USA)Kyle DAKE (USA) dominated his way to the 74kg gold. (Photo: UWW / William Bains)

Dake stayed levels apart in the 74kg field as the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist earned victories via fall over Angel CORTES (PAN) and Anthony MONTERO (VEN).

The 32-year-old, who won his first two world titles at 79kg, is not only strong for the 74kg division but also dazzles the field with his explosiveness. He had Bonilla squirming against a pin attempt in less than 5 seconds. Bonilla's desperation only delayed the inevitable, as Dake flattened him inside the first period.

Montero, a former South American champion, made it a scrappy affair but couldn't stop Dake from racking up points. Up against the clock, the Venezuelan went for a last-gasp shot, only for the American to counter into a four-point throw to complete the victory.

Marsteller defeated Jorge LLANO (ARG) in the quarterfinal but didn't get a chance to test his mettle against four-time champion Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB). The 34-year-old withdrew from the competition, paving the way for Marsteller to take home the 86kg gold. He also received a forfeit win from Pedro CEBALLOS (VEN). 

The title continues the remarkable life turnaround for the 28-year-old, whose childhood dreams of dominating the wrestling world were derailed by substance addiction. Addicted to alcohol and opioids — Marsteller, who amassed a 166-0 record in his Pennsylvania high school —  went into rehab in 2016. He went back to rehab in 2020 after an under-the-influencer bender saw him wreck his and his wife’s cars in one night. The 28-year-old has been clean since July 2020 and the gold in Acapulco would serve to boost both his morale and profile.

Suriano defeated two-time silver medallist Joseph SILVA (PUR) on his way to the 61kg gold. The 26-year-old, who was one of the main contenders to make the American Olympic team in 2021 before testing positive for COVID-19, also beat Jose VASQUEZ (PER) 12-2, Edwin SEGURA (GUA) via forfeit, and Juan LAVAT (MEX) with a fall (10-2).

Genesis REASCO (ECU)Genesis REASCO (ECU) blanked Adeline GRAY (USA) 10-0 at 76kg. (Photo: UWW / William Bain)

Gray was outpowered by Reasco in their meeting which saw the Ecuadorian secure two tremendous double-leg takedowns within the opening few seconds. The explosive 25-year-old, a four-time medallist at the event, completed the superiority victory over the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist in little over a minute.

Joining Reasco on top of the podium for Ecuador was Yepez, who continues her meteoric rise with a successful title defense in the 53kg category.

The stage was set for a rematch from last year's final against Betzabeth ARGUELLO (VEN), before the five-time medallist pulled out from the gold-medal clash.

Yepez, who also struck gold at the Pan-American Games last November, was the first Ecuadorian woman to win a wrestling world title at the 2021 U23 Worlds, and medalled at last year's senior World Championships.

Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN) won the 59kg women's gold. Beauregard — a four-time medallist at the event, including 2019 and 2022 champion — ran roughshod on Friday. The 26-year-old didn't give up a single point over four bouts.

Kilty grabbed the 65kg gold with two dominant wins. Kilty set the tone with a one-sided rout of 2022 silver medallist Miki ROWBOTTOM (CAN).

After a tight opening minute, Kilty set up the Canadian with quick feints before securing a single-leg takedown. After netting five points from the sequence, Kilty wasted little time in getting another takedown, this time attacking Rowbottom's left leg, and completed the fall victory shortly thereafter.  

Against Andrea LOPEZ (MEX), Kilty showed both speed and strength. After earning a 7-0 lead in the first period, the 22-year-old overwhelmed the hometown favorite and earned the fall win with more than 2 minutes left on the board.

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RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) df. Arguello BETZABETH (VEN), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Gonzalez MARIA (DOM) df. Samantha STEWART (CAN), via fall
BRONZE: Katie GOMEZ (USA) df. Laura HERIN (CUB), 10-0

59kg
GOLD: Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN)
SILVER: Michaela BECK (USA)
BRONZE: Ana PEREIRA (BRA)

65kg
GOLD: Macey KILTY (USA)
SILVER: Andrea LOPEZ (MEX)
BRONZE: Miki ROWBOTTOM (CAN)

76kg
GOLD: Genesis REASCO VALDEZ (ECU) df. Renteria TATIANA (COL), 9-0

BRONZE: Adeline GRAY (USA) df. Shauna KUEBECK (CAN), via inj. def.
BRONZE: Linda MACHUCA (ARG) df. Bautista EMELYN (DOM), 11-0

Freestyle

61kg
GOLD: Nicholas SURIANO (USA)
SILVER: Joseph SILVA (PUR)
BRONZE: Juan LAVAT (MEX)

74kg
GOLD: Kyle DAKE (USA) df. Julio RODRIGUEZ ROMERO (DOM), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Jones SHANE (PUR) df. Thomson ADAM (CAN), 16-5
BRONZE: Anthony MONTERO (VEN) df. Angel CORTES (PAN), 11-0

86kg
GOLD: Chandler MARSTELLER (USA) df. Ceballos PEDRO (VEN), via fall

BRONZE: Carlos IZQUIERDO (COL) df. Pool AMBROCIO GREIFO (PER), 3-1
BRONZE: Jorge LLANO (ARG) df. Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB), via inj. def.