Wrestling | 12/11/2014 10:33:00 PM

MINOT, N.D. - A strong finish for the University of Mary couldn't overcome a slow start as the Marauders dropped a 31-12 decision at Minot State University in the Northern Sun opener for both teams.

The Marauders captured four of the final six matches of the night, including the 13th win of the season by John DeVito at 184, but the effort was too late.

After U-Mary forfeited the opening weight class of the night at 125, the Beavers claimed a major decision at 133 and earned consecutive pins at 141 and 149 to grab a commanding 22-0 lead.

The Marauders first got on the board at 157 when sophomore Paul Michaelson posted an 8-1 win over Devin Coombs. Junior Riley Nagel kept the momentum going with an 11-5 win over Zachary Cummings at 165.

After the Beavers picked up a 15-10 victory at 174, DeVito increased his season record to 13-6 when the senior picked up a narrow 10-7 win over Kobina Henriques.

Travis Smith, a junior, ended the Marauders night on a high note, grinding out a 2-1 win at 285 and improving to 8-7 on the season.

The Marauders drop to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the NSIC. The Beavers are 3-3 and 1-0.

U-Mary and Minot State again in one week when the Marauders host the Beavers on Santa Claus Night. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. With the dual to follow at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 18.

NCAA Division II Wrestling
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Wrestling Dual

MINOT STATE 31, UNIVERSITY OF MARY 12
125 – Anthony Battle won by forfeit (6-0)
133 – Josh Douglas, MSU, won by major decision over Hunter Menendez, 11-2 (10-0)
141 – Tanner Crissler, MSU, pinned Alec Lindsey, 4:17 (16-0)
149 – Cody Haugen, MSU, pinned Jered Keller, 1:39 (22-0)
157 – Paul Michaelson, U-Mary, def. Devin Combs, 8-1 (22-3)
165 – Riley Nagel, U-Mary, def. Zachary Cummings, 11-5 (22-6)
174 – Jon Wilson, MSU, def. Kyle Schultz, 15-10 (25-6)
184 – John DeVito, U-Mary, def. Kobina Henriques, 10-7 (25-9)
197 – Tobias Baker, MSU, pinned Wyatt Smith, 1:35 (31-9)
HWT – Travis Smith, U-Mary, def. Mitchell Eull, 2-1 (31-12)

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