Benitez Leads Bulldogs at Sacramento City Open
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — February 14, 2026
The Fresno State Women’s Wrestling team closed out its regular-season schedule on Saturday at the Sacramento City Women’s Open, hosted by Sacramento City College. The Bulldogs were led by standout 103-pounder Jocelynn Benitez, who claimed an individual title and earned Lower Weight Outstanding Wrestler honors to headline the day.
Competing in their final open tournament before shifting full focus to the NCWA postseason, Fresno State saw multiple athletes gain valuable matches against a mix of collegiate and unattached competition. The tournament served as a final tune-up opportunity as the Bulldogs prepare to make their postseason push.
Benitez continued her dominant season, separating herself from the field with a commanding run through the 103-pound bracket. After stringing together three technical falls, she capped off her performance with a decisive 7-0 victory in the finals over Menlo College’s Navjot Waraich. Her performance did not go unnoticed, as tournament coaches awarded her Lower Weight Outstanding Wrestler honors — a fitting recognition to cap off an already impressive regular season.
While Benitez led the way, the rest of the Bulldogs faced tough draws throughout the brackets, gaining experience against high-level competition.
With the regular season now complete, Fresno State turns its attention to the NCWA postseason, where the focus shifts from development to results. The Bulldogs will look to carry momentum from their open tournament slate into championship season.
Tournament Recap
103 – Jocelynn Benitez (Champion)
Benitez put together a dominant run to the title, opening with three consecutive technical fall victories over Megene Abdalla (Menlo NCWA), Chaletia Medina (Fresno City), and Marisa Alvarez (Cerritos). In the championship bout, she controlled the match from start to finish, earning a 7-0 decision over Navjot Waraich (Menlo College) to secure first place. Her performance earned her Lower Weight Outstanding Wrestler honors.
131 – Araceli Zeferino
Zeferino faced a tough opening draw, falling to No. 2 seed Isabel Navarro (Menlo College). She continued to battle on the backside but was ultimately eliminated by Hailey-Ja Omoso (Unattached).
138 – Jazmin Kumler
Kumler opened against top-seeded Stephanie Chavez (Menlo College) and was unable to advance. She later fell in consolation action to Gwendolyn Tomkins (Menlo NCWA).
138 – Lilian Busnardo
Busnardo dropped her opening match to Janie Houser (Unattached) but responded with a strong technical fall victory over Ava Verador (Sacramento City). Her run ended in the following round against Valynn Kwan (Unattached).
145 – Angelique Huerta-Alvarado
Huerta-Alvarado competed at 145 pounds, falling in her opening match to Luana Stathopoulos (Santa Rosa). She was later eliminated by Sage Reyes (Lemoore) in consolation action.
Next Up
Fresno State returns to action on February 28, 2026, when they host the NCWA California State Championships at the Student Recreation Center – West Gym. The event will serve as the final qualifying opportunity before the NCWA postseason begins.
