MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University wrestling did not get the regular season finale it was looking for.

The Beavers opened up a 9-3 lead after three matches, but lost the final seven to drop a 30-9 decision to NCAA Division II Minnesota State Moorhead in nonconference collegiate wrestling Tuesday at the MSU Dome.

“We have reached a point in the season where we have to stop saying we are young,” said MSU head coach Robin Ersland. “We're almost at the national tournament – we're not young anymore. But we are still doing some of the same things (wrong) that we did in the beginning of the season. That's what is frustrating for us. We don't seem to adjust and don't get aggressive and right now, we aren't doing the things (the coaching staff) is teaching them.”

MSU earned the 9-3 lead after senior Kellan Zietz (Burlington, N.D.) won by forfeit at 125 pounds and Deon Buhl (Jr., Lacey, Wash.) defeated Connor MacGregor 11-7 at 141. But the Beavers couldn't carry any momentum after that.

“Deon did a nice job for us at 141,” Ersland said. “And Robert Herrera (So., Sarasota, Fla.) moved up a weight and yeah, he lost, but he gave us an effort. But it seems like whenever someone turns the heat up on us, we don't respond. We have some guys who are supposed to light it up, but they don't show up.”

The Beavers weren't completely outmatched in any dual until heavyweight as MSU didn't surrender a pin until the final match when Jon Swart got to Sean Small at 2:46. But, according to Ersland, MSU didn't necessarily push the Dragons in the latter matches either.

“One of the big things is – we have a match, I don't remember which one – where we were in the match, losing by three or so and then it becomes a major decision,” he said. “We had a couple of those.”

It was the second NCAA Division II dual for the Beavers, who returned to collegiate wrestling this season after a 20-year hiatus. It was also the second Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference team Minot has battled at the Dome this year as the Beavers entertained the University of Mary, but it was the first such team since Minot State was announced as a new member of the conference. Minot will begin NSIC conference action in the 2012-13 season.

The Beavers travel to Wisconsin-Eau Claire Saturday for a final tune up before the NAIA West Region meet in Prescott, Ariz., Feb. 19. MSU has nine individuals qualified for the NAIA National Championships which begin March 3 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“We have 10 days to figure it out before regionals,” Ersland said.

Minnesota State Moorhead 30, Minot State 9
125 – Kellan Zietz, MSU, won by forfeit
133 – Evan Forde, MSUM, def. Robert Herrera, 4-0
141 – Deon Buhl, MSU, def. Connor MacGregor, 11-7
149 – Tyler Steinwand, MSUM, def. Jon Wilson, 14-5
157 – Tallen Wald, MSUM, def. Marcus Wilson, 11-1
165 – Tyler Kivel, MSUM, def. Coby Carson, 14-2
174 – Trent Soude, MSUM, def. Cris Molina, 18-9
184 – Kody Kalkbrenner, MSUM, def. Luke Michaelson, 9-5
197 – Brian Welfel, MSUM, def. Wade Weppler, 5-0
HWT – Jon Swart, MSUM, pinned Sean Small, 2:46.