GREELEY, Colo. - The North Dakota State wrestling team opened Western Wrestling Conference action with a close 21-19 victory over Northern Colorado on Sunday.  The Bison improve to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in WWC duals and have won back-to-back matches for the first time since the 2007-08 season.  Northern Colorado won the first three bouts, but the Bison claimed six of the final seven matches.

The match kicked off at heavyweight, where UNC’s Justin Tuell won a 6-3 decision over freshman Joe Arthur.  After UNC wins at 125 and 133 pounds, senior Ryan Adams claimed an 8-2 decision win over No. 20 Kenny Hashimoto at 141 pounds.  After a scoreless first period, Adams took control in the second, notching an escape and a takedown.  He increased his lead in the final seconds of the match with a takedown and a three-point near fall.

Junior Andrey Patselov defeated Justin Gonzales at 149 pounds, 6-4, thanks to two late escapes.

The Bears’ Justin Gaethje then pinned junior Vince Salminen in 1:11 to increase the home side’s lead to 19-6.

The Bison then reeled off four straight wins, beginning with sophomore Tyler Johnson’s 8-4 decision over Kevin O’Brien at 165 pounds.  Johnson notched three takedowns in the win.

At 174 pounds, redshirt freshman Mac Stoll earned a 6-0 win over Rocco DePaolo, while junior Kenny Moenkedick won a tight 5-4 decision over Eric Brennan at 184 pounds.

Moenkedick was down 3-2 going into the third period, but scored an early escape and takedown to take a 5-3 lead.  Despite giving up a point for stalling, he was able to hold on for the win.  Moenkedick’s win brought the team score to 19-15.

A UNC forfeit at 197 pounds gave the Bison six points and the win.

NDSU now heads east to wrestle Boston University on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. Central and Sacred Heart on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Central.

North Dakota State 21, Northern Colorado 19

285 - Justin Tuell (NC) dec. Joe Arthur, 6-3
125 - Tony Mustari (NC) major Justin Solberg, 14-3
133 –Casey Cruz (NC) wins by forfeit
141 – Ryan Adams (NDSU) dec. #20 Kenny Hashimoto, 8-2

149 – Andrey Patselov (NDSU) dec. Justin Gonzales, 6-4
157 - Justin Gaethje (NC) fall Vince Salminen, 1:11

165 – Tyler Johnson (NDSU) dec. Kevin O’Brien, 8-4

174 – Mac Stoll (NDSU) dec. Rocco DePaolo, 6-0

184 – Kenny Moenkedick (NDSU) dec. Eric Brennan, 5-4

197 – Drew Ross (NDSU) wins by forfeit