Maryland’s wrestling team was defeated by Northwestern 27–12 in its Big Ten conference opener in Evanston, Illinois. The Terps now hold a 4–2 overall record and are 0–1 in the conference, while Northwestern improved to 3–1 overall and 1–0 in the Big Ten.
The dual began at 125 pounds, where Maryland’s Presden Sanchez lost a close 4–2 decision to No. 29 Dedrick Navarro. At 133 pounds, Braxton Brown of Maryland was tied with Sean Spidle through two periods before Spidle secured a late takedown for a 4–2 win.
Ryan Kennedy competed at 141 pounds but fell behind early to Billy Dekraker and ultimately lost by a score of 7–3. Maryland scored its first team points at 149 pounds when Carter Young earned a decisive 5–1 victory over Sam Cartella.
Northwestern responded at 157 pounds as Gunnar Myers won by technical fall over Mekhi Neal, ending the match with a score of 15–0. Aj Rodrigues provided another win for Maryland at 165 pounds, defeating Jacob Bostelman by decision, 4–0.
At 174 pounds, Eddie Enright from Northwestern achieved a technical fall against Alex Uryniak, winning 19–3. Seth Digby was defeated at 184 pounds by J.D. Perez via major decision (8–0).
Branson John delivered a highlight for Maryland at 197 pounds with a pin over Alex Smith at the end of regulation (7:49), closing the gap on the scoreboard. However, Northwestern sealed their victory at heavyweight when Gabe Christenson beat Oscar Williams by major decision (9–1).
Maryland will next compete against No.18 Wisconsin on Sunday, January 11, with coverage available on Big Ten Network.
Results summary:
– Navarro (Northwestern) def. Sanchez (Maryland), DEC (4-2)
– Spidle def. Brown (Maryland), DEC (4-2)
– Dekraker (Northwestern) def. Kennedy (Maryland), DEC (7-3)
– Young (Maryland) def. Cartella (Northwestern), DEC (5-1)
– Myers (Northwestern) def. Neal (Maryland), TF (15-0)
– Rodrigues (Maryland) def. Bostelman (Northwestern), DEC (4-0)
– Enright (Northwestern) def. Uryniak (Maryland), TF (19-3)
– Perez (Northwestern) def. Digby (Maryland), MD (8-0)
– John (Maryland) pinned Smith (Northwestern), F
– Christenson (Northwestern) def. Williams (Maryland), MD
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