University of Minnesota Athletics
Highlights: North Dakota State
2/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Last Sunday, No. 4 Minnesota began its quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive NWCA National Duals title with an opening round match in Fargo against No. 23 North Dakota State. The Gophers took seven of the dual's first eight matches, including a stretch of six in a row, to overwhelm the Bison, 26-9.
No. 5 Scott Schiller, a West Fargo native, started the dual at 197 with a major decision, the first of three matches in which the Gophers would score bonus points. The others were at 157, where No. 1 Dylan Ness pinned his opponent in 1:11, and at 165, where No. 17 Nick Wanzek earned a major decision.
In addition to those wins, Ethan Lizak (125), No. 1 Chris Dardanes (133), No. 4 Nick Dardanes (141) and Jake Short (149) won their matches by decision. For the true freshman Lizak, his win over No. 13 Josh Rodriguez was his first career victory over a ranked opponent.
By defeating NDSU, the Gophers advanced to the NWCA National Duals final eight, which will be held this weekend in Iowa City. Minnesota's quarterfinal matchup will be against No. 5 Cornell at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
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