Contact: Tyler Friel, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Results

Jan. 10, 2017 – Competing in their second College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) dual this season, the North Central College wrestling team fell to visiting Elmhurst College 20-19 in Gregory Arena despite battling their way back from large deficits.

The Bluejays would start the dual with a 13-1 victory to take the 125 match, earning a quick 4-0 lead. Elmhurst increased their lead 9-0 with a convincing 20-3 technical fall at 133. Despite facing a 6-3 deficit in the 141 weight class, Layten Binion battled his way to tie Ronnie Hauser at eight before taking a 9-8 final decision to earn three points for the Cardinals. At 149, Ben Williamson would jump out to an early 4-0 lead but by the end of the second period, Grant Smiley would give the Bluejays a chance with a 6-4 score. However Williamson would prove too tough and take a 7-4 decision. Entering the 157 weight class down only 9-6, the Cardinals would hope to even the score or take the lead but a 19-0 technical fall win from Gunnar Hjorth would put the Bluejays up 14-6.

At 165, the Bluejays would increase their lead again after a pin from Tim Noverini but the Cardinals' Matt Marcotte would continue his success at 174, taking a 10-5 decision to bring the dual to a 20-9 update. Vincent Pizzo would give the Cardinals a chance after producing their fourth decision of the night, putting the Cardinals down eight with just two weight classes remaining. Tyler Vittal would pull off a very gritty performance at 197, defeating Mark Miller on a 3-2 decision to put the Cardinals down only 20-15 with just the heavyweights left to compete. Emonte Logan took a quick 4-1 lead and would extend his lead 11-4 entering the third period. Up 19-5 in the third period, Logan would fall victim to the clock and earn a major decision, but the Cardinals would fall 20-19 and move to 0-2 in CCIW competition.

The Cardinals (4-9) travel to the Al Hanke Invitational on Saturday, January 14 hosted by Elmhurst College. Matches are set to begin in R.A. Faganel Hall at 9 am.