Lady Vikings win three titles at Body Bar Nationals

Sophomore Clarissa Calibuso (top) placed third in a solid 55-kilogram class for the Lady Vikings at the Body Bar University Nationals. [Click to enlarge]

SAN DIEGO -- The Missouri Valley College women's wrestling team got a taste of the competition it will face at the U.S. Senior Nationals later this month in Las Vegas, and could feel better about it.

The Lady Vikings claimed three individual championships and sent three others into the finals of tough weight classes Friday at the FILA Body Bar University Nationals in San Diego. For a young Valley squad, being able to hold their own with veterans was uplifting.

"Even in our losses, we closed the gap," remarked MVC head coach Carl Murphree. "By Vegas time, we may be able to knock them out."

Junior Brooke Bogren cruised through the 59 kilogram class, downing sophomore teammate Julie Duarte in the finals, and junior Kelly Branham finished first among the three Lady Vikings in the 67 Kg division.

However, freshman Brittany Jones of Plugerville, Texas, notched her most impressive win to date by defeating Kuu Johnson of the U.S. Olympic training program, ranked sixth among U.S. Seniors in the TheMat.com's latest poll, 3-0, 4-0, to earn a gold medal.

"She surprised some people who hadn't been watching closely," Murphree said.

Freshman Rachel Billerbeck (63 Kg) won two matches -- including a 7-0, 3-0 decision over No. 8 Laurin Daniels of Menlo (Calif.) -- before being pinned in the finals by former Valley grappler Ashley Sword of the New York Athletic Club, ranked sixth. Sophomore Erika Chew (55) also won twice before losing a decision in the title match to No. 3 Marcie Van Dusen of the Sunkist Kids.

Freshman Sadie Kaneda (48) pinned two foes in the first round and was second in a round robin after losing to fourth-rated Laura Felix of California State-Bakersfield. Sophomore Maika Watanabe had to settle for third place at 51 kilos after losing to No. 3 Jenny Fong of the Sunkist Kids, due to beating fifth-ranked Cheryl Wong of the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in the trophy bout.

Sophomore Clarissa Calibuso (55) and freshmen Tanya Miyasaki (51) and Maria Dunn (63) also picked up a pair of wins during the meet.

"We're right where we want to be," Murphree declared. "We've made some big strides.

"We haven't peaked yet," he added. "But I don't want to peak yet."

At least not until the April 28 tourney in Vegas.