General | 3/4/2026 11:59:00 AM

2026 NCAA WOMEN'S WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Gannon Competitor: Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (180 pounds)
Location: Coralville, IA / XTreme Arena
Dates: Friday, March 6th & Saturday, March 7th 

Regional Results - Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (180 lbs)
Semifinal – Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (GU) won by technical fall over Jurelys Peguero del Rosario (UC) (12-0, 3:31)
1st Place – Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (GU) won by decision over Azariah Moore (LHU) (10-1)

Last Time at Nationals - Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) (NCWWC Wrestling National Championships, 2024-25)
Champ. Round 1 - won by tech fall over Lindsay Laws (Lock Haven) 11-0 (4:52)
Champ. Round 2 – lost by fall to Madison Sandquist (Sacred Heart) 5:29
Cons. Round 2 - won by dec. over Makayla Rivera (Lindenwood) 4-1
Cons. Round 3 - lost by fall to Isabella Renfro (Fort Hays State) 2:11

ERIE, PA - In just two seasons, sophomore Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) has amassed 66 career wins and continues to dominate opponents in the 180 pound weight class. 

No two wins, however, may be as important as the semifinal and finals results of February's NCAA Regional. They were, to be specific, historic. 

Phillips became the first Golden Knight women's wrestler to qualify for NCAA Championships, held this year on March 6th-7th in Coralville, Iowa. This is the first year that women's wrestling will compete as an NCAA championship sport at nationals. 

Phillips capped a dominant run with a convincing 10-1 decision over Azariah Moore in the 180-pound championship bout. Earlier in the round, the sophomore advanced with a 12-0 technical fall in the semifinal. 

With the title run, Phillips improved to 27-6 overall on the season and continues to lead the team with 14 technical falls. The championship marked her second win this season over Moore and officially punched her ticket to the 2026 NC Women's Wrestling Championship. 

This season has been one of consistent success for the sophomore. Her 28 wins is good for most on the team and carries a winning percentage of .823. Of those victories, 14 have come via technical falls, while four more have been wins by fall. Phillips has won multiple tournaments this year as well, taking first in the ESU Open and fifth at the Adrian Invite. 

The top eight finishers receive an all-American status. Phillips earned the No. 7 seed at 180 pounds and received a first-round bye at the NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships. She will face the winner of Journey Land (27–8) of Mount Olive and Ay'Seante Ross of Norwich in her opening bout.

Last year, Phillips went 2-2 at NCWWC Women's Wrestling National Championships, finishing just shy of an opportunity to find a spot on the podium. With experience and an incredible season on her side, however, she believes this year can be different on the biggest stage. 

FROM BELLA PHILLIPS
"It means so much to be the first Golden Knight to compete at NCAA Championships. The regional competition was intense. I needed to bring my best and had to be mentally prepared for each match. I've trained hard, I've worked each and every day for this, and it is so exciting to be a part of history. I can't wait to compete in Iowa and strive to win a title and achieve all-American status."


FROM HEAD COACH ERIN VANDIVER
"I'm beyond excited for Bella. She's earned this. This will be her second showing at nationals (first at NCAA's), and I know she's going in so much more confident than last year. She shows up and gives her best in all areas. She is prepared, ready, and excited to compete on the nation's biggest stage. Bella is a competitor, wanting to be the best, and her effort and goals reflect that. She takes responsibility and holds herself accountable to the task and team goals. Bella has consistently done all the little things correctly. Doing the little things right leads to success - like national championships! Her team and I couldn't be prouder and know there is no one who deserves it more. We believe in her. This is a celebration for us. Bella will be vying for the All-American Podium, but we are already feeling joy before the tournament begins."