Bryce Hepner’s second-period pin was a key moment as the 21st-ranked University of North Carolina wrestling team defeated Navy 20-18 on Saturday at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill.
Five Tar Heel wrestlers contributed wins to the team’s total. Kysen Terukina (125 pounds), Ethan Oakley (133), Laird Root (157), and Jake Dailey (184) each secured victories alongside Hepner.
The dual began at 125 pounds, where No. 19 Kysen Terukina recorded his second consecutive win for UNC with an 11-1 major decision. At 133 pounds, Ethan Oakley earned a late takedown to secure a 4-1 decision over Brendan Ferretti of Navy.
Laird Root, wrestling at 157 pounds, notched his second straight major decision by scoring two takedowns in the third period and winning by a score of 12-3. Bryce Hepner delivered UNC’s first fall in duals this season, pinning Dylan Elmore less than a minute into the second period after securing an early takedown. This marked the eleventh fall of Hepner’s collegiate career.
Jake Dailey rounded out the Tar Heel victories with a 5-2 decision at 184 pounds over Gage Yackee, marking his second consecutive win in dual competition.
Navy picked up wins at four weight classes and also claimed bonus points with Danny Wask’s technical fall at 174 pounds and Spencer Lanosga’s major decision at heavyweight.
Attendance for the match was reported as 1,025. The Tar Heels will next host the Carolina Duals on Friday, facing UNC Pembroke, Greensboro College, and Davidson at Carmichael Arena.
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