MOORHEAD, Minn. – The upset-fueled Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team was defeated Friday evening by the Minnesota State Moorhead Dragons 28-13. The Mustangs picked up three wins in the dual, one by fall, one by MD and one by decision.
 
"The team that came out tonight wanted to fight and compete. As a coach, I couldn't ask for more" fifth-year head coach Chayse Jackson said. "We put ourselves in position to win matches and win the dual. They fought for points and wrestled as a team. We came out just shy, but we get another opportunity in less than 48hrs. If we bring the same intensity and effort on Sunday, I expect to see some fireworks!"
 
Xander Kenworthy kicked off the dual at 197 lbs. by giving the Mustangs an early lead in the dual, defeating MSUM's Wyatt Powell 12-1, earning the major decision.
 
Evan Thompson could not follow Kenworthy's victory, losing to Liam Babitt by fall in the second period, giving the Dragons a 6-4 lead after the 285 lbs. match.
 
Clayson Mele defeated SMSU's Preston Xayachak at 125 lbs., earning a 5-0 decision victory.
 
Chase Hanson put matters into his own hands, earning his first victory by fall this season late in the second period over MSUM's Brody Toledo, and putting the Mustangs back on top 10-9 after four bouts.
 
The Mustangs could not keep the positive momentum going, with Bronson Richins and Jake Messner both losing at 141 lbs. and 149 lbs. by decision to put the Dragons back on top 15-10.
 
Tate Condezo gave SMSU a fighting chance, earning his 20^th victory of the season at 157 lbs. by decision over Jacob Thomas, and cutting the Dragons lead to 15-13.
 
With a chance to put the Mustangs back in the lead, Wyatt Pollard fell to Jacob Reinardy by decision, and after Noah Jensen and Carter Paulson both dropped the 174 lbs. and 184 lbs. match, SMSU's chance for an upset victory was over.
 
The Mustangs continue their weekend on the road, facing Minot State on Sunday, Jan. 25, with a scheduled start of 1 p.m. The dual will be streaming live on the NSIC Network, and more information can be found at smsumustangs.com/sports/wrestling.
 
Full Dual Results

197 lbs., Presented by Les Schwab Tires: Xander Kenworthy (SMSU) over Wyatt Powell (MSUM) (MD 12-1)
285 lbs., Presented by First Independent Bank: Liam Babitt (MSUM) over Evan Thompson (SMSU) (Fall 3:33)
125 lbs., Presented by Kibble Equipment: Clayson Mele (MSUM) over Preston Xayachak (SMSU) (Dec 5-0)
133 lbs., Presented by Fort Pierre Livestock: Chase Hanson (SMSU) over Brody Toledo (MSUM) (Fall 4:32)
141 lbs., Presented by Tahnee Mara Petroleum: Pedro Velazquez (MSUM) over Bronson Richins (SMSU) (Dec 8-5)
149 lbs., Presented by Countryside Golf: Parker Benz (MSUM) over Jacob Messner (SMSU) (Dec 9-5)
157 lbs., Presented by Keller Williams / Reilly Home Team: Tate Condezo (SMSU) over Jacob Thomas (MSUM) (Dec 13-10)
165 lbs., Presented by Marshall Animal Clinic: Jacob Reinardy (MSUM) over Wyatt Pollard (SMSU) (Dec 8-1)
174 lbs., Presented by Borch's: Anthony Sykora (MSUM) over Noah Jensen (SMSU) (MD 18-6)
184 lbs., Presented by Mustang Wrestling Club: Edon Davis (MSUM) over Carter Paulson (SMSU) (Fall 2:07)