MANKATO, Minn.- The Minot State University wrestling team is no stranger to a top 20 team. Saturday night the Beavers took on their sixth ranked opponent of the year, No. 9 Minnesota State University.

The Mavericks (5-2 overall 2-0 NSIC) were in control from the very beginning, as they cruised to a 54-0 win over MISU. After the loss, Minot State (1-10 overall 0-3 NSIC) will head south for a Sunday showdown with another ranked team, No. 5 Upper Iowa University.

An unfortunate constant this season for the Beavers has been forfeits due to injury and illness. It was no different Saturday as Minot State took two forfeits (125 lbs. & 184 lbs.) in the loss.

“We lost Marcus Polak (So., 157, Minot, N.D.) and Matt Fetterley (Jr., 174, Muskegon, Mich.) to illness before the dual and that really took the wind out of our sails,” said MISU head coach Robin Ersland. “Cody George (Sr., 184, Clancy, Mont.) is still not fully recovered from his injury last week, so that's three good guys out.”

Ricard Avakovs (Fr., 149/157, Riga, Latvia) had the closest match of the night, as he wrestled well against the Maverick's Sawyer Hoffman. Avakovs defended well and held his ground, but ultimately fell to Hoffman, 4-2 at 157 pounds.

“Injuries aside, I am very disappointed in the efforts of some of our guys,” said Ersland. “We need to do more, regardless of who we are wrestling. Hopefully we can do that tomorrow.”

The Beavers will look to rally tomorrow afternoon, as they look to end their 10-match losing streak at No. 5 Upper Iowa University at 2 p.m. from Fayette, Iowa.

Minnesota State 54, Minot State 0
 
125- David Demo, MSU, wins by forfeit
133- Alphonso Vruno, MSU, def. Joshua Douglas 10-5
141- Drew Lexvold, MSU, pinned Flynn Stormer 0:29
149- Thomas Allen, MSU, pinned Marcus Wilson 4:57
157- Sawyer Hoffman, MSU, def. Ricard Avakovs 4-2
165- Cody Quinn, MSU, pinned Eric O'Neill 2:56
174- Brendan Eichmann, MSU, pinned Devon Flores 3:49
184- Aaron Norgren, MSU wins by forfeit
197- Nathan Haynes, MSU, pinned Joe Johnson 2:13
285- Corby Running, MSU, pinned Bobby Bartz 0:16