Valley's Howe medals at UNC

Valley senior Karen Howe (top) placed fifth at the ASICS University Nationals. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

AKRON, Ohio -- Missouri Valley College wrestler Karen Howe took fifth place in the women's freestyle competition at the ASICS University National Championships, Sunday at Akron, Ohio.

The senior from The Woodlands, Texas, was stopped in her opening match by the U.S. Olympic Education Center's Melissa Apodaca, but then split her next two bouts -- beating Chaelynn Tan of the White Buffalo Club in the medal round, 2-0, 3-0 -- to finish in fifth place in the 63-kilogram division.

Also picking up a win among the Lady Vikings was sophomore Rachel Pike (59 kilograms), opening with a 29-second pin of Lock Haven (Pa.) grappler Amanda Ridenour. Pike dropped the next two decisions.

Freshman Brittany Bertolani (55), who faced the third- and fourth-ranked wrestlers among TheMat.com's U.S. Senior Women, and freshman Summer Sistad (59) were eliminated in two rounds.

The Lady Vikings are scheduled to compete this weekend in the FILA Junior Open Championships at Colorado Springs.