ABERDEEN, S.D. – MSU Moorhead wrestling saw five victories in the first NSIC dual fo 2024-25 for the Dragons. Coming down to the final match, host Northern State would claim a 22-16 victory over the Dragons.

"Guys wrestled hard and we split 5 matches to 5 matches. It came down to bonus points which we gave up at heavyweight, 149 and 157," said MSUM head wrestling coach Kris Nelson. "Overall I was happy with our performance and intensity but have to clean up a few things especially in the top and bottom position.:
 
The Dragons would be the aggressors early in the dual with the 165 pound bout taking center stage first. Jacob Thomas would earn a resounding 6-1 win over Izaak Hunsley to put MSUM in front on the team score. Anthony Sykora would follow suit with a decision victory of his own, a 9-2 showing over Northern State's Mason Frey. The victory gives Sykora a team-best 11 wins heading into the weekend. At 184 pounds, Wyatt Powell would score a 5-0 decision over Tanner Meyers, putting MSUM up 9-0 in the team scoring. 

Northern State would gather wins at 197 pounds and heavyweight as Isaiah Huus would narrowly fall in a sudden victory period, 4-1. Tied at nine points, Clayson Mele would keep the Dragons turning with a 6-5 victory over Sloan Johannsen before Thomas Carrillo collected a major decision victory. Carrillo scored 13 points in a 13-2 win over Northern State's Brenden Salfrank. As the Dragons led 16-9, Northern State would gain momentum with victories at 141 and 149 pounds. Trailing by a point on the team leaderboard, MSUM would fall victim to a technical fall in the final match of the evening. Northern State narrowly claimed the match, 22-16. 

"Was good to see Clayson Mele, Jacob Thomas and Anthony Sykora beat individuals who they lost to in open tournaments earlier this season. Wyatt Powell wrestled a good match at 184 along with Thomas Carrillo picking up bonus points at 133," said Nelson. "I feel the guys are improving and we are looking forward to Dragon Open on Saturday."
 
Wolves 22, Dragons 16
Dual began at 165 pounds
 
125 – Clayson Mele decision over Sloan Johannsen (6-5)
133 – Thomas Carrillo major decision over Brenden Salfrank (13-2)
141 – Braydon Mogle decision over Pedro Velazquez (9-2)
149 – Wyatt Turnquist technical fall over Cody Wienen (18-2, 5:37)
157 – Griffin Lundeen technical fall over Jacob Reinardy (18-3, 7:00)
165 – Jacob Thomas decision over Izaak Hunsley (6-1)
174 – Anthony Sykora decision over Mason Frey (9-2)
184 – Wyatt Powell decision over Tanner Meyers (5-0)
197 – Tyson Lien sudden victory decision over Isaiah Huus (4-1)
HWT - Nathan Schauer pinned Liam Babitt (4:15)
Extra (HWT) - Ayden Vox pinned Isaiah Wright (4:40)
 
Up Next
 
MSUM looks towards the annual Dragon Open on Saturday with wrestling beginning at 11 a.m. inside Nemzek Fieldhouse.