Mankato, Minn. – The Maverick wrestling team returns to Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action with a dual against MSU Moorhead at Taylor Center Friday at 7:00 pm.
 
Minnesota State is rated 20th in the nation by the NWCA and holds an overall record of 4-1 with an unblemished NSIC record of 2-0. The Mavericks have conference wins this season over Minot State (25-12) and the University of Mary (23-13).
 
Minnesota State most recently competed in the Maverick duals to a 1-1 record over the weekend. The Mavericks won nine weight classes on their way to a 45-3 victory over Central Missouri. Minnesota State won seven matches with bonus-point victories, including five pins, in their dual against the Mules. The Mavericks gained an early 12-3 lead in their second dual of the afternoon over #2 UW-Parkside. Minnesota State received a forfeit, while George Farmah and Kyle Rathman  each upset ranked wrestlers, to take an early advantage. The matchup between top-25 teams would eventually land in the Rangers' favor, defeating the Mavericks 28-12.
 
The Mavericks have two nationally ranked wrestlers in Corey Abernathy and Matthew Blome. Each wrestler is rated fifth in their weight class, 184 pounds and 197 pounds respectively. Rathman leads Minnesota State this season in wins, holding a record of 17-3. Sophomore Louie Sanders is 13-4, while Daniel Close and Zach Johnston have each amassed 12 wins. Rathman, Sanders and Dylan Herman are all tied for the team-lead in pins with four.
 
MSU Moorhead enters the matchup on Friday with an overall record of 1-2. The Dragons picked up a 52-0 win over Northland CTC back in November before falling to Concordia College and Augsburg. MSU Moorhead, which has yet to face competition from an NSIC opponent this season, will travel to Fayette, Iowa on Thursday before facing Minnesota State. Adam Blees leads the Dragons into Mankato as the eighth-ranked wrestler in division II at 174 pounds. Blees holds a record of 12-4 this season. MSU Moorhead is coached by Kris Nelson in his ninth season with the team.
 
Minnesota State edged the Dragons in their dual last season by a score of 22-18. The Mavericks are 31-6-1 all-time against MSU Moorhead.
 
For live video of Friday's dual, click HERE.
 
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