MANHEIM, Pa. – The Quincy University women's wrestling team continues to rewrite the record books in 2026, earning its highest ranking in program history in the latest NWCA NCAA Women's Coaches Poll. The Hawks check in at No. 9 nationally, marking the first time in program history they have cracked the top 10. Quincy currently boasts two nationally ranked wrestlers and six regionally ranked competitors.
Quincy's rise up the national rankings has been steady and impressive. The Hawks opened the season with their first-ever preseason ranking, coming in tied for 16th. Since then, the NWCA has released four additional polls. Quincy sat at No. 20 in the first in-season release before falling out of the rankings for two polls. The Hawks reentered the rankings tied for 24th in the fourth release and have now surged all the way to ninth, highlighting the program's growth and consistency throughout the season.
Leading the way individually is senior
Trinity Pendergrass, who continues to elevate her game in her fourth season with the Hawks. Pendergrass is ranked fifth nationally at 103 pounds and sits second in Region V, trailing only Valarie Soloria of the University of Iowa.
Joining her in the national rankings is midyear transfer
Xochitl Mota-Pettis, who has made an immediate impact since arriving on campus. Mota-Pettis is ranked third nationally at 124 pounds and holds the No. 1 spot in the region, giving Quincy a formidable presence in the lower weights.
The Hawks' regional depth has also played a key role in their historic ranking.
Alexandra Tchekounova (110 lbs.) and
Sereena Baca (117 lbs.) are both ranked fifth in the region at their respective weight classes, while Madeline Barton (131 lbs.) and
Julia Chambers (138 lbs.) each sit fourth regionally. The balance across the lineup has positioned Quincy as one of the most complete teams in Region V.
With the regular season now complete, the Hawks shift their focus to the postseason. Quincy travels to Indianola, Iowa, for the Region V Championship, hosted by Simpson College. The tournament field features several nationally ranked programs, including No. 1 University of Iowa, No. 11 Wartburg College, No. 15 Simpson College, No. 18 Augustana College, No. 23 University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, and No. 25 University of Dubuque.
The Hawks will look to carry their historic momentum into the regional tournament as they continue to build on what has already become a landmark season for Quincy women's wrestling.
