MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead wrestling ended Friday evening with three consecutive victories to clinch an NSIC dual against Southwest Minnesota State. The Dragons defeated the Mustangs, 28-13. 

The Mustangs would claim the first match of the night to secure some early momentum. However, sophomore heavyweight Liam Babitt would stomp out that visitors momentum in a dominating showing. Babitt earned an early takedown of Evan Thompson, eventually sticking Thompson early in the second period. A frenetic effort from Clayson Mele at 125 pounds pushed the Dragons in front on the team scoreboard. Mele would secure a first-period takedown and would tally over three minutes of riding time in a 5-0 decision. 

While Southwest Minnesota State would regain the lead following the 133-pound match, Pedro Velazquez would quickly get the Dragons back in front. The 141-pounder secured a 8-5 decision over Bronson Richins. Parker Benz would follow suit with a 9-5 win over Jacob Messner, securing a riding time bonus point. Jacob Thomas would narrowly fall in a high-scoring 157-pound affair, making the score 15-13 in favor of the Dragons. 

Moorhead would control the dual from there, securing three straight wins to expand the lead. Jacob Reinardy was active early in his 165-poud bout with Wyatt Pollard, scoring an 8-1 decision. Anthony Sykora would use a multitude of fakes and slide-bys to rack up four early takedowns on Noah Jensen. Sykora would use the early offense to clinch an 18-6 major decision. To conclude the dual, Edon Davis would also grab an early takedown against Carter Paulson. Davis would work Paulson into a precarious position not long after, sticking his opponent at 2:07 of the first period. The win by the sophomore secured the 28-13 victory for the Dragons. 

Dragons 28, Mustangs 13
Dual began at 197 pounds

125 - Clayson Mele decision over Preston Xayachak (5-0)
133 - Chase Hanson pinned Brody Toledo (4:32)
141 - Pedro Velazquez decision over Bronson Richins (8-5)
149 - Parker Benz decision over Jacob Messner (9-5)
157 - Tate Condezo decision over Jacob Thomas (13-10)
165 - Jacob Reinardy decision over Wyatt Pollard (8-1)
174 - Anthony Sykora major decision over Noah Jensen (18-6)
184 - Edon Davis pinned Carter Paulson (2:07)
197 - Xander Kenworthy major decision over Wyatt Powell (12-1)
HWT - Liam Babitt pinned Evan Thompson (3:33)


Up Next

MSUM is back on the mat inside Nemzek Fieldhouse tomorrow afternoon for a 3 p.m. dual against Concordia College.