MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead wrestling used some scrappy offense and timely counter wrestling to secure another NSIC dual victory on Thursday evening. The Dragons defeated Southwest Minnesota State, 30-10. 

It was true freshman heavyweight Liam Babitt who got the Dragons started on Thursday evening against SMSU's Kody Marschner. Babitt would grab a takedown in the first period before collecting another early in the second frame. From there, Babitt would get Marschner's back on the mat, pinning him at 4:08 and providing MSUM a quick six team points. Clayson Mele would follow suit with a fun, high-scoring match with Preston Xayachak. Mele would use some great counter wrestling to secure three reversals in the match as well as two takedowns. In the third period, Mele would rally, collecting a reversal before later reversing Xayachak again in the match's final moments. On top of that, Mele would get four near-fall points and a riding time bonus point in quick succession x\for a 19-13 decision. 

Ryan Henningson would look sharp at 133 pounds, earning three takedowns and two near-fall points through the first two periods. The senior would stamp his impression on the match in the third period, grabbing a trio of takedowns for a 21-4 technical fall win. Pedro Velazquez would dominate his match with Dylan Louwagie, holding a ride time bonus point and three takedowns for an 11-0 major decision. Southwest Minnesota State would get on the board at 149 and 157 pounds with a pair of decisions. 

Jacob Thomas would get the Dragons back on track despite trailing for a majority of his match. Thomas found himself in a 4-0 hole late in the second period before scoring a takedown to pull within one point. Thomas would then reverse Noah Jensen from the bottom position before getting another takedown. The junior would win 9-6 after securing a ride time bonus point. Anthony Sykora was aggressive at 174 pounds, racking up three takedowns in the first period against Elijah Sterner. Sykora would achieve two more takedowns, collecting his 19th win of the season with a 14-7 decision. 

To cap the night in team scoring for the Dragons, Wyatt Powell would earn a victory via fall over SMSU's Mason Buss at 184 pounds. Powell scored a takedown almost instantly and would get Buss in a near-fall scenario with a nice cradle move. Not long after, Powell had Buss relatively helpless and on the mat for a pin at 1:47.

In exhibition action, senior Thomas Carrillo would collect a decision victory over Chase Murphy at 141 pounds. Carrillo would use a first-period takedown to help secure the win on Senior Night. 

Dragons 30, Mustangs 10
Dual began at heavyweight
 
125 – Clayson Mele decision over Preston Xayachak (19-13)
133 – Ryan Henningson technical fall over Chase Hanson (21-4, 6:21)
141 – Pedro Velazquez major decision over Dylan Louwagie (11-0)
149 – Jacob Messner decision over Cody Wienen (7-3)
157 – Sean Howk decision over Jacob Reinardy (7-2)
165 – Jacob Thomas decision over Noah Jensen (9-6)
174 – Anthony Sykora decision over Elijah Sterner (14-7)
184 – Wyatt Powell pinned Mason Buss (1:47)
197 – Adam Sylvester major decision over Will Price (18-5)
HWT – Liam Babitt pinned Kody Marschner (4:08)
Extra: 141 – Thomas Carrillo decision over Chase Murphy (4-1)
 
Up Next
 
The Dragons will head across Eighth Street on Sunday for a 2 p.m. dual against Concordia College.