SIOUX CITY, Iowa. – The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team traveled to Sioux City, Iowa, facing Briar Cliff in the team's first dual of the season. Despite the fight put up by the Mustangs, the Chargers came out of the bout the victors, winning 22-19.
 
In the first match of the dual Evan Thompson, courtesy of a pair of late takedowns, defeated Charles Witas 10-0. This was Thompson's first match of the season, and his first collegiate victory.
 
In the next bout at 125 lbs., Preston Xayachak faced NAIA No. 19 ranked Dariuz Black. Xayachak fell behind early and couldn't find positive momentum in the bout, falling 12-0.
 
Devin Carter at 133 lbs. fell to No. 8 ranked Dante Rigal by fall in the first period, bringing the total score to 10-4, favoring the Chargers.
 
Bronson Richins got the Mustangs back on track in the 141 lbs. match, defeating No. 20 ranked Jarrod Gilliam 19-8 for a major decision. Richins built off two early takedowns and brought the Mustangs back to within two points of the lead at 10-8.
 
In the 149 lbs. match, Brand Beaver fell by fall to Trystan Berry, extending the lead for Briar Cliff to eight points at 16-8.
 
After two periods in the 157 lbs. match, the score sat at 1-1, before Tate Condezo registered a takedown with less than 30 seconds in the third period, winning the match 4-1, and keeping the Mustangs within reach at 16-11.
 
165 pounder Wyatt Pollard was up next for the Mustangs and fell behind to Jackson Balmer 8-1 after the first set. Pollard fell to Balmer 16-2, bringing the Briar Cliff lead to nine points at 20-11.
 
At 174 lbs., Max Weizorek dropped the match 11-4, bringing the score to 23-11 favoring the Chargers.
 
Mason Buss in the match at 184 lbs. defeated Jeremiah Bethel in a major decision, with both teams losing a point due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
 
In the final match of the dual, Xander Kenworthy was victorious over Blake Butler, earning a technical fall, and winning 19-4.
 
"Tonight was a reality check, and a heartbreaker. Our lineup was almost exclusively new guys, and after going down early, we found a way to battle back as a team," said fifth year head coach Chayse Jackson. "The guys showed fight, and bonded together. With another dual Saturday, we need to have a short memory and prep for the next opportunity. If we can continue to wrestle aggressively, good things will come. On to the next!"
 
SMSU returns to the PE Gym on Saturday at 7 p.m. facing Dakota Wesleyan. The match will be live on the NSIC Network.
 
285: Evan Thompson (SMSU) over Charles Witas (BCI) (MD 10-0)

125: Dariuz Black (BCI) over Preston Xayachak (SMSU) (MD 12-1)

133: Dante Rigal (BCI) over Devin Carter (SMSU) (Fall 2:26)

141: Bronson Richins (SMSU) over Jarrod Gilliam (BCI) (MD 18-8)

149: Trystan Berry (BCI) over Brand Beaver (SMSU) (Fall 1:44)

157: Tate Condezo (SMSU) over Brandon Harris (BCI) (Dec 4-1)

165: Jackson Balmer (BCI) over Wyatt Pollard (SMSU) (MD 16-2)

174: Erik Lessears (BCI) over Max Wiezorek (SMSU) (Dec 11-4)

184: Mason Buss (SMSU) over Jeremiah Bethel (BCI) (MD 9-1)

197: Xander Kenworthy (SMSU) over Blake Butler (BCI) (TF 19-4 0:00)

(BCI Unsportsmanlike -1.0) (SMSU Unsportsmanlike -1.0)