The Ballard women's wrestling team competed in a deep and highly competitive field Saturday at the Waukee Northwest Tournament, finishing 16th overall with 42 team points against 24 teams from across the state.

Junior Evelyn Faubus led the way for the Bombers with a strong third-place finish at 120 pounds, scoring 18 team points. Faubus opened her day with a pin over Red Oak's Elaina Kuipers, followed by a dominant major decision against Norwalk's Mya Wojtowicz in the quarterfinals. After a setback in the semifinals, Faubus responded with another pin in the third-place match, closing the tournament with three falls and a podium finish.

Kentley Wierson and Felicity Sharp each added solid contributions with eighth-place finishes at 135 and 140 pounds, respectively, scoring eight team points apiece. Wierson picked up three victories by fall throughout the day, showing resilience through the consolation bracket. Sharp battled back after an early loss, stringing together back-to-back pins in the consolation rounds to secure her placement.

Esther Wilson recorded seven team points at 130 pounds, highlighted by an opening-round pin over Saydel's Serena Thayer. Harper Coppock added a win in the consolation bracket at 125 pounds, earning one team point for Ballard.

The tournament title was claimed by Raccoon River–Northwest with 248 points, followed by Cedar Falls and Lewis Central. Ballard's young lineup gained valuable experience competing against several of the state's top programs and wrestlers.

The Bombers return to action Tuesday, January 20, when they travel to Boone for a 5:00 PM meet.