MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Moorhead wrestling matched up with a game Dickinson State squad on Friday night inside Nemzek Fieldhouse. With the dual coming down to the final weight class, MSUM prevailed over the Blue Hawks, 28-19. 
 
Things began well for the Dragons at 125 pounds at Clayson Mele would earn a narrow 1-0 decision over Dickinson State's Jose Gonzalez. Mele used an escape early in the match and rode it all the way to the end, despite some strong offensive attempts. Up 3-0 in the team score, MSUM looked to newcomer Ryan Henningson for a spark at 133 pounds. The senior from Winona, Minn., would provide the necessary spark, earning two quick takedowns on Dong Joon Gin. After a collection of near falls, Henningson pinned Gin at 1:27. 

Pedro Velazquez would follow suit, picking up a convincing major decision at 141 pounds over Kavika Aholelei. Velazquez gained early takedowns and was able to stack up a riding time bonus point for the Dragons. While the Blue Hawks would win at 149 pounds, Jacob Reinardy would get MSUM more team points with a decision win at 157 pounds. The Dragons led 16-6 before Dickinson State gathered a decision at 165 pounds. 

Anthony Sykora would snuff out any potential Blue Hawk rally at 174 pounds, using steady offense to ground his opponent and gain near fall scenarios. Sykora was eventually able to stick Bradlee Shaw at 2:05 in the first period. While the Dragons led 22-9, Dickinson State would come roaring back with a pin and a major decision at 184 and 197 pounds respectively. The Blue Hawk surge made the count 22-19 heading into the final match of the evening. 

Needing some aggression, heavyweight Liam Babitt stepped to the mat and immediately looked for a match-changing takedown of Seth Suvak. Babitt would eventually earn the three-point takedown just before the end of the first period. It did not take Babitt long to cement himself in the second period as he would get Suvak on his back for a pin 48 seconds into the period. The move cemented the team win for MSUM despite a game effort from the Blue Hawks late. 

Dragons 28, Blue Hawks 19
Dual began at 125 pounds
 
125 – Clayson Mele decision over Jose Gonzalez (1-0)
133 – Ryan Henningson pinned Dong Joon Gin (1:27)
141 – Pedro Velazquez major decision over Kavika Aholelei (10-2)
149 – Will Sprenger pinned Cody Wienen (1:36)
157 – Jacob Reinardy decision over Ian Mehrens (12-8)
165 – Kale Corley decision over Jacob Thomas (4-1)
174 – Anthony Sykora pinned Bradlee Shaw (2:05)
184 – Jack Simons pinned Will Price (0:51)
197 – Donivan Giangregorio major decision over Wyatt Powell (13-0)
HWT – Liam Babitt pinned Seth Suvak (3:48)
 
Up Next
 
MSUM returns to NSIC duals next week as they look towards a Thursday night battle with Minot State on January 16. Action from Minot, N.D., is scheduled for 7 p.m.