Sprenkle Wins Twice at NCAA Championships, Advances to Consolation Quarterfinals

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – North Dakota State sophomore Trent Sprenkle pushed his win streak to three with a victory in the consolation bracket third round at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships Friday, March 18.  His three NCAA wins are the most for a Bison wrestler since the transition from Division II.

Sprenkle claimed an 8-2 decision over Wyoming’s Michael Martinez to advance to the consolation bracket quarterfinals.  Sprenkle dominated from start to finish, claiming a takedown in each period.  He also picked up an escape in the second period and a point for riding time.  It was Sprenkle’s first win over Martinez in three tries this season.

Sprenkle will now wrestle 7^th seeded Ryan Mango of Stanford in tonight’s session.  Mango is coming off an 11-0 major decision loss to 2^nd seeded Matt McDonough of Iowa.  Live statistics are available.  The sophomore is now one win away from a top eight finish and All-America status.

Sprenkle advanced to wrestle Martinez with a 10-5 win over Steven Keith of Harvard in the second round of the consolation bracket earlier this morning.  Sprenkle opened with a dominant first period, scoring a takedown, a two-point near fall and a three-point near fall to take a 7-0 lead into the second period.  Keith responded with a two-point near fall in the second period.  The wrestlers scored three points apiece in the third period.

Sprenkle in the NCAA Tournament

1^st round – Lost 4-3 decision to #11 Frank Perrelli of Cornell

Consolation 1^st Round – Won by fall (2:48) over Garrett Frey of Princeton

Consolation 2^nd Round – Won 10-5 decision over Steven Keith of Harvard

Consolation 3^rd Round – Won 8-2 decision over Michael Martinez of Wyoming