-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Annabelle Petsinger of Iowa Central wrestles against Hawkeye on Friday inside Hodges field house

The third-ranked Iowa Central women’s wrestling team made a strong statement here Friday night inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

Behind three pins and five technical falls, the Tritons handled No. 8 Hawkeye, 40-10, improving to 2-0 on the year in dual action both overall and in the ICCAC.

Iowa Central lost just the two matches on the night and was awarded a forfeit.

Top-ranked Erica Pastoriza started things off with a dominating technical fall inside of the first period at 103 pounds, showing a quick array of scoring moves. Damiyah Smith scored a forfeit at 110.

Hawkeye claimed its first win at 117 when Sara Warren suffered a tough 9-5 decision loss to 12th-ranked Chloe Sokolik, as the Tritons reeled off seven consecutive victories — all via bonus points — from that point on.

No. 4 Lacey Reed earned a technical fall at 124 pounds and returning All-American Annabelle Petsinger, ranked No. 1 like Pastoriza at 131, picked up a fall in just 77 seconds of work on the mat.

Hannah Brown claimed a technical fall at 138, Emily Angelo scored a pin at 145, sixth-ranked Allie Grow won by technical fall at 160 and Valerie Hamilton earned a technical fall of her own at 180.

No. 6 Harmoni Callins had no trouble at 207 pounds, picking up a fall. Aaliyah Presley, ranked ninth at 235, dropped a 9-0 decision in the final bout of the night to No. 3 Mackenzie Arends.

Iowa Central previously scored a win at Iowa Lakes, along with competing in three open events already.

The Tritons have two dates remaining on the schedule this month, as they head to Storm Lake Saturday for the Buena Vista Open before taking on Iowa Western on Wednesday in Council Bluffs.

In January, Iowa Central is set to compete six times, including a special event with Iowa Public Television on Wednesday, Jan. 21 vs. Indian Hills. They will also travel to Richfield, Utah for the NJCAA National Duals three days later.