MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Moorhead wrestling would see solid performances all around on Thursday night in NSIC action. However, the Dragons could not fully combat the eighth-ranked Augustana Vikings, falling 29-14. 
 
The Vikings would move in front by five points after the first match of the night before Ryan Henningson got the Dragons a win at 133 pounds. In a high-scoring affair with Owen Hansen, Henningson would rack up 18 points to narrowly top Hansen, 18-15. Pedro Velazquez would follow suit, providing the Dragons their first lead on the team scoreboard. Velazquez would work past Augie's Alex Mentzer for a 5-1 decision, putting MSUM up, 6-5. 

While the Vikings would regain the lead, MSUM would pull back within one point after the 157-pound match. Jacob Thomas was aggressive against Kyle Boeke, scoring a 4-1 decision for his ninth win of the season. Wrestling at 165 pounds, Anthony Sykora would battle hard against Payton Handevidt with the Viking scoring the match's lone point on an escape. Sykora nearly had several takedowns in the waning moments, but would ultimately fall just short, 1-0.

Mason Gode would put the Dragons back on top with a technical fall at 174 pounds. Gode worked into his offense slowly, primarily scoring across the second and third periods. The Browerville, Minn., native scored takedown after takedown of Josh Wagener, eventually earning a 17-2 tech fall thanks to a riding time bonus point. MSUM would lead 14-13 from there before Augustana claimed the final three weight classes to win, 29-14. 

The Dragons finish the dual season with eight victories, the highest win total since the 2015-16 season. 
 
#8 Vikings 29, Dragons 14
Dual began at 125  pounds
 
125 – #3 Jaxson Rohman technical fall over Clayson Mele (19-4, 6:34)
133 – Ryan Henningson decision over Owen Hansen (18-15)
141 – Pedro Velazquez decision over Alex Mentzer (5-1)
149 – #2 Cael Larson technical fall over Cody Wienen (20-5, 3:58)
157 – Jacob Thomas decision over Kyle Boeke (4-1)
165 – Payton Handevidt decision over Anthony Sykora (1-0)
174 – Mason Gode technical fall over Josh Wagener (17-2, 7:00)
184 – #13 Cade Mueller technical fall over Wyatt Powell (22-5, 5:53)
197 – #4 Max Ramberg technical fall over Will Price (19-4, 2:40)
HWT – Max Balow pinned Liam Babitt (6:15)
 
Up Next
 
MSUM looks towards the NCAA Super Region V Tournament, which is set for Saturday, March 1 in Sioux Falls, S.D.