Park City, Kan. - Friends University women's wrestling competed at the NAIA national tournament over the weekend. Friends had three national qualifiers, the most in program history with first year head coach, Austin Zaring.

Kaylynn Martin (110 lbs), Alexis Means (145 lbs), and Bailee Nelson (180 lbs) were the wrestlers for Friends and all fought very hard over the weekend and all year. 

Highlights of the weekend:

145 lbs - Alexis Means in her 1st time qualifying went 1-2 in her bracket. Means won her first match with a fall over Alyvia Ming of Cumberlands (3:59). Means would drop her next two matches, highlighting her tournament with the 1st round pin.

Full results of the Women's NAIA National Tournament

Women's Wrestling head coach, Austin Zaring completed his 1st season at the helm for the Falcons and had inspirational words about his athletes and his season at Friends. 

"My first year as a coach here at Friends has been a true blessing. There have been a lot of struggles with this program in the past. There's no hiding from that. However, all it takes is a group of people that care and are willing to make the sacrifice for one another, which this group has done an exceptional job of. This team has bought into what we are building, and it has shown on the mat, in the weight room, and in the classroom. We have hit all-time highs in weight room attendance, academic scholar athletes, and national qualifiers this year. 

We are building something special here. Even though we didn't get the result on the mat that we wanted this past weekend at the national tournament, we have come a long way as a team. The people that we've become throughout the struggles, and the adversity are what truly matter. 

Growing into better people is our true purpose through surrendering the outcomes to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even though the season has ended, we are right back to work on prepping for next season. We can't wait to make the next stride toward the red banner."