Wildcats defeat Mercyhurst and West Liberty; but lose to McKendree
| ADRIAN, Mich. – The No. 19 Northern Michigan women’s wrestling team picked up two dual victories Saturday at the Adrian Duals, defeating Mercyhurst 26-17 and No. 17 West Liberty 24-21 while also putting up a strong battle against No. 1 McKendree. Belicia Manuel (145) and Sophia Bassino (160) went 3-0 on the day for the Green and Gold. Northern Michigan 26, Mercyhurst 17 The Wildcats opened the day with a 26-17 victory over Mercyhurst, winning six of the 10 matches. Lillee Denson got NMU started with a 10-0 technical fall in just 46 seconds at 103 pounds, followed by a forfeit victory for Cheyenne Frank at 117. Kandice Spry added a fall at 124 pounds in 2:12, while Belicia Manuel earned a 10-0 technical fall in 1:13 at 145. Sophia Bassino picked up an 11-7 decision at 160 pounds, and Kanata Richardson closed out the dual with a 10-0 technical fall in 54 seconds at 180. Northern Michigan 13, McKendree 30 NMU then faced No. 1 McKendree, falling 30-13. Manuel continued her strong day with a first-period fall at 145 pounds in 1:06, earning four team points. Bassino delivered another highlight, rallying for a comeback victory by fall in the closing seconds of her match. Denson, Spry and Richardson also battled for the Wildcats, each earning a team point in losses by decision. Denson fell by a narrow 4-3 decision, while Spry and Richardson dropped decisions of 8-1 and 8-4, respectively. Northern Michigan 24, West Liberty 21 Northern Michigan bounced back in its final dual, edging West Liberty 24-21. Denson opened with a 10-0 technical fall in 48 seconds at 103 pounds, before Frank followed with a 10-0 technical fall of her own in just 36 seconds at 117. Hanna added an 8-1 decision victory, while Manuel continued her dominant performance with a fall in just 43 seconds at 145. Bassino recorded another 10-0 technical fall in 41 seconds at 160 pounds, and Richardson capped the Wildcats’ scoring with a 15-3 technical fall in 3:32 at 180 pounds. Up Next The Wildcats will return to competition in Adrian tomorrow, taking part in the Adrian Open beginning at 9 a.m. |
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