NIACC's Smith stays perfect

NIACC's Valerie Smith battles Iowa Western's Yoseline Perez in their 235-pound match Wednesday in the NIACC recreation center.

February 5, 2025

MASON CITY - NIACC sophomore Valerie Smith topped Iowa Western's Yoseline Perez in a battle of ranked women's wrestlers Wednesday night in the NIACC recreation center.

Smith, who is ranked second, gained a 4-1 win over Perez, who is ranked eighth in their 235-pound match.

Iowa Western won the dual meet 40-13.

Smith, who is from Hickory, Tenn., improved her record this season to 7-0 with five falls. She now has a career record of 13-4 with 11 falls.

Smith now owns victories over third-ranked Gabby Watson of Carl Albert State College, seventh-ranked Kennedi Washington of Indian Hills and the eighth-ranked Perez.

Also in Wednesday's dual against Iowa Western, NIACC's Keira Suro pinned the Reivers' Emily Kesterson in 5 minutes and 5 seconds. Suro improved her record to 3-4 with two falls.

NIACC returns to action Feb. 15 at the NJCAA North Central District Championships in Council Bluffs.

Iowa Western 40, NIACC 13

103 - Savannah Siqueiros (IW) won by forfeit; 110 - Baillee Cash (IW) won by forfeit; 117 - Joseline Perez (IW) pinned Maria Roque, :52; 124 - Hailey Medina (IW) tech. fall Jenesis Sanders, 10-0 131 - Josie McCunn (IW) won by forfeit.

138 - Keira Suro (N) pinned Emily Kesterson, 5:05; 145 - Paityn Covolo (IW) pinned Maria Sanfiel, 1:49; 160 - Ayana Fletcher (IW) pinned Carly Klein, 1:51; 180 - Jocelyn Ambriz (IW) pinned Emery Hippen, 1:34; 207 - Destine'e Thomas (N) won by forfeit; 235 - Valerie Smith (N) dec. Yoseline Perez, 4-1.