When you’re a new program and a young team, you have to challenge yourself against the best to see how good you really are currently as well as how much better you need to get. The William Woods Lady Owls took on a tougher schedule than last year, which included the early test against some of the best teams in the country at the Lindenwood Duals. Entering the tournament, there were three ranked teams (2 at the NCAA level and 1 at the NAIA level) as well as a series of individually ranked wrestlers at their respective weight classes and divisions(NAIA or NCAA). Those ranked teams were #4 and #12 in the NCAA (McKendree and Lindenwood), and #8 in NAIA, Missouri Valley. The Lady Owls would get a crack at each of these ranked teams in addition to a few other Division III schools in Simpson (IA) and Quincy (IL).
Being the youngest (in terms of program age and average age of their wrestlers) the Lady Owls took their share of lumps throughout the day as a team but were able to score some individual victories against this stiff competition.
Against each of their opponents the Lady Owls averaged about 2 wins (non-forfeits) per round. Their closest dual of the day was against McKendree B team.
