Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Iowa Central's Addison Hershberger wrestles against Iowa Western on Wednesday night inside Hodges Fieldhouse. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

It was an important night for the Iowa Central wrestling program inside Hodges Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

The sixth-ranked Tritons competed in their first-ever women’s dual in front of their home crowd.

Iowa Central fought to a 24-24 tie with third-rated Iowa Western, which broke the tie on criteria.

“This was their night to be in the spotlight,” said ICCC women’s head coach Zak Hensley. “We started kind of slow, but were able to get some wins.

“There were definitely some positives, and yet, plenty of things we need to work on.”

Fans in attendance had to adjust to a style change on the mat. The NJCAA women compete in freestyle rather than folkstyle. There are two three-minute periods, and no top or bottom positions.

“This new for a lot of them,” Hensley said. “It’s the complete opposite style-wise than what they are used to.

“Our athletes have been working hard, but we have a long way to go to develop.”

For competing the first time on their home mat, Hensley was pleased with what he saw.

“I’m very happy with the way they competed,” said Hensley, a former Triton wrestler. “We’ve been wrestling tough and fine-tuning a few things.”

The Tritons pulled out five victories on the night, while the Reivers captured six.

With Iowa Central trailing 24-21, fifth-rated Addison Hershberger (235) forced a match tie with a 4-0 victory over Zeriah George.

Because no penalty points were awarded to either team, the tie-breaker was overall matches won.

Iowa Central’s No. 9 Dianna Pineda picked up a fall in 2:20 over Natalie Duran at 109 pounds.

Bronwyn Brenneman (130) also registered a pin in 3:16. Second-ranked Princess Altsisi (136) earned a 12-0 win over Callsita Waterby for the Tritons.

Iowa Central’s eighth-ranked Alexandra Byrne (143) picked up a forfeit victory.

The Tritons are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Crete, Neb. for the Doane Open.