Mavericks remain consistent on the mats

The Minnesota State wrestling team has found some success this season. They have competed in ten duals and won seven of them. The Mavericks are unbeaten in conference play, thanks to their most recent dual last Thursday against 24th ranked Upper Iowa. The Mavericks pulled off the upset, 25-13.

The Mavericks started off the match with a victory. Redshirt-freshman Andrew McFall wrestled in his second match of the season. Competing in the 125-pound weight class, McFall won by decision, 11-5. Sophomore Paul Selman was next up, competing in the 133-pound class. Selman won with ease by a 16-4 major decision.

The next two matches, unfortunately, went to Upper Iowa. Redshirt-freshman Louie Sanders dropped a close one in the 141-pound weight class dual. Sophomore Daniel Close was pitted against 11th ranked Damian Penichet in the 149-pound class. Penichet won with a 5-1 decision. The Mavericks held a 7-6 advantage in the dual after that.

The next two duals were split. The 157-pound weight class went to MSU’s Dylan Herman. He secured a pin-fall in the third period, giving the Mavs 13-6 advantage. In the 165-pound weight class, senior Max Bullock lost by major decision against 10th ranked Colbey Vance. MSU would go on to win three of the next four to defeat Upper Iowa. Third ranked and NSIC Myles Brand Award Winner Adam Cooling won his 25th match of the year. The Myles Brand Award is given to athletes who had excellent academic semesters.

Freshman Matthew Blome wrestled up a weight class, 184-pounds, to face Ryan Parmely. Blome was able to fight off Parmely and pinned him in the third period, giving MSU the overall victory.

The Mavericks have now won four straight dual meets and improved to 4-0 in the NSIC. Their next dual will be against Southwest Minnesota State. The first match is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Taylor Center.