CORALVILLE, Iowa – After making history for Minot State as the Beavers' only two-time national qualifier, Haleigh Lematta added another milestone Friday, picking up her first win at the NCWWC National Tournament.

After an opening-round setback in the 145-pound weight class, the Minot State sophomore bounced back strong with a win by pin in 1 minute, 54 seconds, advancing in the consolation bracket.

Unfortunately for Lematta, her run at her second national championship tournament ended in the next match, but she scored 2.5 team points for the Beavers who finished tied for 48^th in a tournament that has now grown to more than 60 teams.

Lematta becomes the third Minot State women to win a match at the NCWWC National Tournament, joining Jazmin Gorder and Nina Sandoval, who each won a match in the Beavers' inaugural season at the 2022-23 National Tournament, which featured just 37 teams at the time.

This weekend might be the final trip to the NCWWC National Tournament for Lematta and the Beavers, though, as women's wrestling was approved this season by the NCAA as a championship sport which means in coming years, the now 3-year-old Minot State women's wrestling will advance to the NCAA National Championships. The inaugural NCAA National Championship is scheduled for the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Lematta opened Friday's NCWWC National Championship with an 8-0 decision loss to Aine Moffitt from Augustana (Ill.), but came back strong with a win by pin over Marissa Rumsey from Lack Haven in the first round of the consolation bracket.

Lematta's day ended with a 19-9 technical fall loss to Azana Ling from Schreiner.