COLUMBIA, SC – The Hive was buzzing on Sunday as Allen University Women's Wrestling took center stage at the AU Yellow Jacket Open, delivering a statement performance on their home mats. Facing elite competition from programs such as Newberry, Emory & Henry, Presbyterian, UCF, and High Point University, the Lady Yellow Jackets put on a show — led by multiple podium finishes, fierce falls, and highlight-worthy victories.
This year's Open featured premier programs from across the southeast, but it was Allen University who held their own and more — with two individual champions, three second-place finishes, and two third-place finishes, showing that Head Coach Eric Pack has a squad built to compete at the national level.
Top of the Podium: Allen's Golden Girls
Isis Severe (1st – 131 lbs | 20.0 points)
Severe was untouchable, racking up two tech falls and two pins en route to a dominant championship run. Her final fall in just 1:09 was a stamp of elite control and confidence.
Alissa Brown Washington (1st – 138 lbs | 20.5 points)
A true technician on the mat, Brown Washington dazzled with a tech fall and three pins, including a clutch win in the finals over UCF. She displayed both finesse and power throughout the tournament.
Nevaeh Smith
Rising Forces: Silver Medalists on the Verge
Rebekkah Kinkade (2nd – 117 lbs)
Kinkade bounced back strong after an opening tech fall loss to storm through with a decisive 12-1 tech fall in her second bout.
Nevaeh Smith (2nd – 145 lbs | 13.5 points)
Smith put together a run that included a tech fall, a pin, and a gritty semifinal win. She fell just short in the finals against a UCF powerhouse, but left no doubt she's a contender.
Nichya Pemberton (2nd – 160 lbs | 14.0 points)
Pemberton flew through her bracket with two first-period pins, only to suffer an unfortunate injury default in the finals. Her dominance leading up to that moment showed her potential is sky-high.
Lianna Davis (2nd – 207 lbs | 12.5 points)
Davis steamrolled into the finals with a pin and tech fall, only falling to UCF's top-seeded Katrina Wangen in the final bout. A stellar showing for the Yellow Jacket heavyweight.
Cathia Timas
Grinding to the Podium: Bronze Medalists
Samaiya McAllister (3rd – 110 lbs | 11.5 points)
McAllister rebounded from a semifinal fall with back-to-back pins, including a victory over teammate Kitty Sharpe in the 3rd-place match. Grit and guts all the way.
Cathia Timas (3rd – 160 lbs | 12.0 points)
After a tough semifinal loss, Timas responded like a true warrior with a tech fall and pin in the consolations, claiming 3rd in dominant fashion.
Kitty Sharpe
Notable Highlights from the Hive
Head Coach Eric Pack (Left) talking to 1st Place finisher Isis Severe
Coach's Corner: A New Era Taking Shape
Head Coach Eric Pack and the Allen Women's Wrestling staff have built a culture of fierce competition and family-like support — and it's paying dividends. With a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, Allen is quickly becoming a name to watch on the collegiate wrestling map.
Don't Miss the Next Showdown
Allen Wrestling is clearly on the rise — and fans, alumni, and the Columbia community are invited to be a part of the journey. The Yellow Jackets are writing a new chapter in AU wrestling — one fall, one tech, one title at a time. Catch the Lady Yellow Jackets on the road as the y take on No. 9 Emmanuel University and Newberry College in Franklin Springs, GA this Wednesday December 10th with the first match beginning at 5:00PM.
