The Wisconsin Badgers wrestling team rallied against a tough Northwestern team on the road. The Badgers were winning 17-15 going into the heavyweight match, but ultimately lost the final match and subsequently the meet. The team did not go down without a fight, however, and took another strong squad down to the wire again. The results have not been in the Badgers favor this season, but they are not an easy win by any stretch.
Wisconsin Loses Dual Meet to Northwestern in Final Match
The #15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers took on the #9 ranked Northwestern Wildcats in an away meet. The night started at 125 pounds, where #8 Eric Barnett beat #6 Michael DeAugustino with a 4-3 decision. Cannon, Tal Shahar, and Thomas all took wins in the next three matches for the Wildcats to put them on top 12-3.
The #2 ranked 149 pound wrestler Austin Gomez lost his awaited match against #4 Yahya Thomas. Gomez suffered a lower body injury, which resulted in an injury default win for Thomas. Next, #18 Garrett Model and #7 Dean Hamiti kicked off the comeback for the Badgers with back-to-back major decision wins. With 13-4 and 14-2 wins respectively, the Badgers brought the meet score to 12-11.
The Wildcats responded with #19 Troy Fisher scoring a 4-2 decision over Wisconsin’s Josh Otto at 174 pounds. Tyler Dow and #12 Braxton Amos both won their matches by decision, which brought the score to 17-15, with the Badgers on top. Then #4 Lucas Davison stepped in against #11 Trent Hillger for the heavyweight match. Davison overpowered Hillger and took the 4-1 decision win, as well as the meet win for the Wildcats.
It has been a tough road for the Badgers, and Hillger especially. The competition in the Big Ten has some of the best heavyweights in the nation. It has not been easy for Hillger and the Badgers, but this experience against top competition will prove to be beneficial later on in the season.
For more:
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Check out 97.3 The Game on iHeart Radio!
