Perez Opens Statesmen Career with Heart Honor

Oskaloosa--Avy Perez (Fr., Mission Hills, Calif., Nursing) was perfect in her first weekend of collegiate competition, and for her efforts she was named Heart of America Athletic Conference Women's Wrestler of the Week Monday, presented by Musco Lighting.

Perez notched her first weekly laurel after posting a 3-0 record at the Simpson Luther Hill Invitational last Saturday.

The 110-pound freshman started her day with a 9-2 victory over Emily Mendez of William Jewell (Mo.), and then followed that up with an 8-4 decision over Eliana Martinez (Grand View).

Perez eventually capped her inaugural tournament by knocking off Trinity Pendergrass of Quincy (Ill.) by a 6-5 score in the championship match.  Pendergrass is ranked No. 4 in the NCAA.

The award is the first of the year for WPU.