12/18/25

SCRANTON, Pa. -- For the third-straight year, Lackawanna College Athletics will review the past 12 months and highlight the top 14 athletics stories and moments from the year that was. 

Today's top event from 2025 comes to us from the newest sport at Lackawanna College.

#14: Women's Wrestling Makes History With Home Dual Victories
In a year of firsts for the fledgling Lackawanna College women's wrestling program, perhaps the biggest and most important moment came on November 14th, when Lackawanna College picked up its first-ever win, 19-10, against Bergen CC at home inside the historic Lackawanna College Student Union gymnasium.

The Falcons had already wrestled a pair of duals on the road, as well as some exhibition matches, but had yet to compete at home as a team in their brief history. That changed on that Friday night, as Bergen came to town for the first-ever home dual for Lackawanna women's wrestling.

Kelly Marques from Bergen won the first points, defeating Sklar Benninger (Palmerton, PA) via pin fall at 5:51 in the second period at 117 lbs. Mary Henry (Gillett, PA) earned the first points for the Falcons, winning by forfeit at 124 lbs., but the real first victory came at 145 lbs., where Haylee Fessler (Lansford, PA) defeated Vanessa Ochoa via technical decision, 10-0, to secure the first victory at home for the Falcons in a dual. A pair of forfeits helped the Falcons take the lead for good at 19-10 to secure their first-ever dual victory.

It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, both from the wrestlers (especially Fessler, the only returning grappler from last year's team) and from the coaching staff. Coaches John and Kate Fox started the program before the pandemic in 2020, but it went dormant when the pair left after 2021. When the Foxes returned to Lackawanna College ahead of the 2024-2025 campaign, there was a renewed focus and energy injected into the program, and it resulted in having seven wrestlers ahead of the 2025-2026 season and the ability to compete in both tournaments and team duals.

Lackawanna women's wrestling has already secured a second dual win, knocking off Kean by a 25-20 score on November 21st. The Falcons have a few more dates coming in the 2026 portion of the schedule, including duals with Cedar Crest College, Northampton CC, and Utica University.

Top 14 Moments Of 2025 For Lackawanna College Athletics  
14) Women's Wrestling Makes History With Dual Victories
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