MOUNT VERNON – Cornell women's wrestling continues to build, now in Year 3 as a varsity program under head coach Boston Jacobs.
 
Progress has been made off the mat in recruiting, boosting the team's largest opening day roster to 21 wrestlers.
 
"We've got a team of wrestlers now who are dedicated to the sport," Jacobs said. "We continue to build our culture. We have grown every year. That's the reason we're getting more dedicated women here."
 
The Rams have a busy opening weekend ahead, starting Saturday with the Luther Hill Invitational in Indianola. On Sunday, Cornell travels to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the University of Iowa Duals in Iowa City. The Rams wrestle Central at 2 p.m. before facing the top-ranked Hawkeyes at 3:30 p.m.
 
Cornell beat Central, 24-16, at home last December for the program's first-ever dual win. The Iowa Hawkeyes are two-time defending national team champions.
 
"Sunday at Carver will be a fantastic opportunity for our women to wrestle that high level of competition and help grow the sport," Jacobs said. "We have nothing to lose. We'll see what we can do against some of the best wrestlers in the world."
 
The Rams have 16 competition dates scheduled. The lone home dual is Jan. 14 against 10th-ranked Wartburg. The Rams host the annual Cliff Keen-Mike Duroe Invitational Jan. 17.
 
The Rams bring back seven individuals from last season's 2-13 dual squad. Sophomore 145-pounder Jasmine McCaskel was the team leader in wins with a 13-11 record.
 
Seniors Cheyenne Mulford (117 pounds), Olivia Cotton (160), junior Sydney Newberg (160) and sophomores Maddie Pulis (180), Emily Grassham (160) and Averi Burke (138) also return varsity experience to the lineup.
 
Cornell has 11 first-year wrestlers on the team.
 
"I was happy with how the women performed at our intrasquad matches (Oct. 25), watching them scrap on the mat," Jacobs said. "Once we get through some injuries, we'll have a good room. We're moving along quicker than last year. It all comes with patience."