At 53 kg/116.5 pounds, 2015 World champion and three-time World medalist Helen Maroulis of the Sunkist Kids opened up her offense quickly, and scored a 10-0 technical fall in the first period over 2015 World Team member Whitney Conder of the U.S. Army WCAP at the 2:40 mark. Maroulis opened with a takedown and gutwrench for a 4-0 lead, then added three more takedowns for the margin of victory.
At 58 kg/128 lbs., 2015 World Team member Alli Ragan of the New York AC won a tight 3-0 match over 2015 World bronze medalist Leigh Jaynes-Provisor of the U.S. Army. Ragan scored a first-period takedown, then added one point in the second period when Jaynes-Provisor was put on the shot clock for passivity and could not score in 30 seconds.
In a close battle at 69 kg/152 lbs., Tamyra Mensah of the Titan Mercury WC edged Randi Miller of the U.S. Army WCAP, 2-1. Miller led 1-0 at the break, when Mensah was put on the shot clock and did not score. Midway through the second period, Mensah hit a low single leg takedown for a 2-1 lead.
As time ran out, Miller got a leg attack on the edge. Officials ruled that time had run out. After the video review, the call was confirmed and Mensah's 2-1 win was upheld.
Mensah is No. 2 on the Women's National Team, while Miller is No. 3. Miller was a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. This match became necessary when 2015 World Team member Elena Pirozhkova of the Titan Mercury WC vacated this weight as she is moving down to 63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Maroulis, Ragan and Mensah lead their best-of-three series, one match to none.
Under approved USA Wrestling procedures, a past World medalist can challenge a 2015 World Team member in the non-qualified Olympic weight classes.
The second match of the best-of-three series will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the competition mat inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, prior to the start of the Iowa vs. Purdue Big Ten dual.
In addition to the second-round of the Special Wrestle-offs, an exhibition match featuring Lauren Louive of the Hawkeye WC and Randi Beltz of the Titan Mercury WC at 58 kg/128 lbs. will also be held at 6:30 p.m.
The Iowa vs. Purdue Big Ten dual meet starts at 8:00 p.m. Fans with tickets for the dual meet are encouraged to come at 6:30 p.m. to see the Olympic-caliber action. Tickets for the Iowa vs. Purdue dual meet and the Women's Special Wrestle-off are $12 for adults, $8 for those 18 and under, free for UI students and children five years and under.
If a third match is needed any of the three Special Wrestle-off series, it will be held immediately following the conclusion of the Iowa vs. Purdue dual meet.
The Pan American Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament, set for Frisco, Texas on March 4-6, is one of the most important events of the year for American wrestlers. The top two place-winners in each weight class qualify their nation to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
USA Wrestling will post the matches from the Special Wrestle-off to its You Tube Channel shortly after each session.
Click Here to See Women's Pan Am Qualifier Special Wrestle-off Video Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDo9M4UVhQm777x9AIb7-SnKpMypiU4s-
WOMEN'S SPECIAL WRESTLE-OFF
At Iowa City, Iowa, January 22
Round One of the Best of Three Series
53 kg/116.5 lbs. - Helen Maroulis (Huntington Beach, Calif./Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Whitney Conder (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army WCAP), 10-0, 2:40
58 kg/128 lbs. -Alli Ragan (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Leigh Jaynes-Provisor (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 3-0
69 kg/152 lbs. -Tamyra Mensah (Katy, Texas/Titan Mercury WC) dec. Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army WCAP), 2-1
Match schedule on Friday, January 21, 2016
10:00 a.m. - Bout One of Special Wrestle-off in Dan Gable Wrestling Complex
6:30 p.m. - Bout Two of Special Wrestle-off Series, and an exhibition bout, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena
8:00 p.m. - Iowa vs. Purdue Big Ten Dual Meet in Carver-Hawkeye Arena
TBD - Immediately after Iowa vs. Purdue Meet, Bout Three of Special Wrestle-off Series (if necessary)
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