MINOT, N.D. – MSU Moorhead wrestling started strong and controlled a matchup in NSIC dual action on Thursday night. The Dragons defeated (RV) Minot State, 23-16. 
 
Liam Babitt would start the Dragon momentum at heavyweight, scoring an impressive 12-3 major decision over Marcus Allen. Babitt would be able to score a takedown in each period while retaining a riding time bonus point to win, 12-3. Clayson Mele would follow suit, looking dominant at 125 pounds. Mele scored three takedowns and collected over four minutes of riding time for a 10-1 major decision. 
 
In his second match as a Dragon, Ryan Henningson continued his winning ways, picking up a 13-6 decision over Wayne Joint. The senior began the third period on bottom, but quickly scored an escape, followed by a takedown before securing four near-fall points. Henningson also added a bonus point via riding time. Joint was ranked 17^th in the nation according the The Open Mat this week. 
 
At 141 pounds, Pedro Velazquez only continued to cement MSUM's strong grappling. Velazquez had four takedowns as part of a 15-5 major decision over Adrian Chavez. Cody Wienen would keep Minot State off the team scoreboard at 149 pounds, defeating Ethan Wonser, 6-3. Wienen trailed 3-1 heading into the third period while also being in the bottom position. The redshirt sophomore picked up an escape before earning a takedown to secure a victory for the Dragons. 
 
The Beavers would earn their first team points of the dual after a decision at 157 pounds. Jacob Thomas would be entrenched in a battle at 165 pounds with Brendan Barnes as the pair would need overtime to decide the match. Barnes would claim a takedown in the overtime period for a 4-1 decision.
 
Mason Gode would clinch the dual at 184 pounds for the Dragons. Gode would collect two takedowns and a four-point near fall in the first period. The junior would eventually pin Minot State's Dom Howlett early in the second period. MSUM would grab a 23-16 team win, claiming six of 10 weight classes. 
 
Dragons 23, (RV) Beavers 16
Dual began at heavyweight
 
125 – Clayson Mele major decision over Dylan McDonald (10-1)
133 – Ryan Henningson decision over Wayne Joint (13-6)
141 – Pedro Velazquez major decision over Adrian Chavez (15-5)
149 – Cody Wienen decision over Ethan Wonser (6-3)
157 – Ryan Hrcka decision over Jacob Reinardy (7-0)
165 – Brendan Barnes sudden victory decision over Jacob Thomas (4-1)
174 – Gavin Turk major decision over Anthony Sykora (13-1)
184 – Mason Gode pinned Dom Howlett (4:09)
197 – Cannon Potts pinned Isaiah Huus (5:29)
HWT – Liam Babitt major decision over Marcus Allen (12-3)
 
Up Next
 
MSUM gets set for a home dual against Southwest Minnesota State on Thursday, January 23 beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday night's battle will also serve as Dragon wrestling's Senior Night.