Kearney, Neb. – The No. 23 Northern State University wrestling team (7-6, 1-4 NSIC) won two of their three duals on Saturday, defeating New Mexico Highlands 39-3, losing to Western Colorado 17-20, and defeating Fort Hays State 24-19.
 
Northern's first dual was a runaway victory over New Mexico Highlands. Landen Fischer got the Wolves off to a perfect start with a victory by fall at 125, and Dayne Morton piled on with a major decision victory at 133.
 
After Kenny Jones and No. 10 Caden Moore notched wins at 141, and 149 respectively, Northern suffered it's first loss of the day with Bryan Burnett falling in a 5-3 decision. However, any momentum for the Cowboys was quickly put to an end, as No. 5 James Burks took his first victory of the day by fall.
 
Following up were Tanner Weise and No. 11 Marcus Placide who each picked up decision wins at 174 and 184, respectively. Finishing the dual strong were Diego Gallegos and Caleb Lefferdink, who both took major decision wins to bring the final score to 39-3 in favor Northern State.
 
Northern's second dual of the day was against Western Colorado, and it wouldn't be nearly as simple as their first. In stark contrast to his first match, Landen Fischer started off the dual with a technical fall defeat at 125. However, Dayne Morton and Kenny Jones brought the Wolves back with decision wins at 133 and 141, respectively.
 
Western Colorado fought back with two more decision wins of their own at 149 and 157, but No. 5 James Burks continued his good day with a 6-4 decision at 165. Northern suffered another decision loss right after however, leaving Northern at a 9-14 deficit with three matches remaining.
 
No. 11 Marcus Placide began the comeback attempt with an impressive 17-1 technical fall at 184, followed up by a 10-5 decision win by Diego Gallegos at 197, giving Northern a 3-point advantage. However, Caleb Lefferdink lost by fall at 284, bringing the final score to 17-20 for the Wolves' first loss of the day.
 
Northern's third and final dual of the day was against Fort Hays State. Landen Fischer's up and down day continued as he once again started off the dual, this time taking a major decision victory at 125. Dayne Morton built on the momentum with a victory by fall at 133.
 
The remainder of the dual was a back and forth brawl. After Kenny Jones fell in a major decision at 141, No. 10 Caden Moore brought it back with a 5-3 decision at 149. Up next, Walker Car was unable to avoid a decision loss at 157, but No. 5 James Burks kept Northern in front with a technical fall victory at 165.
 
Fort Hays State began a comeback attempt towards the end of the dual, picking up two decision wins in a row at 174 and 184. However, Diego Gallegos came up clutch at 197 with a victory by fall, putting the Wolves' lead out of reach. Caleb Lefferdink was unable to avoid a loss by fall at 285, but it was too little too late for Fort Hays, as the dual concluded at 24-19 in favor of the Wolves.
 
Northern State put together eight decision wins, four major decision wins, four victories by fall and two technical fall victories.
 
Up next, Northern travels to Minot State to play the Beavers. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. from the MSU Dome on January 31.