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EVANSTON, Ill. \u2014 The Maryland wrestling team (4\u20132, 0\u20131 B1G) fell to Northwestern (3\u20131, 1\u20130 B1G), 27\u201312, in the Terps’ Big Ten conference opener.<\/p>\n
Presden Sanchez<\/a> opened the dual for Maryland at 125 pounds against No. 29 Dedrick Navarro. Navarro struck first with a takedown, and although Sanchez stayed within striking distance with a pair of escapes, he was unable to overcome the early deficit, dropping a 4\u20132 decision.<\/p>\n At 133, Braxton Brown<\/a> and Sean Spidle were tied through the first two periods. Spidle broke the deadlock with a late third-period takedown, earning a 4\u20132 decision.<\/p>\n Ryan Kennedy<\/a> competed at 141 and trailed early after surrendering a first-period takedown to Billy Dekraker. Kennedy was unable to regain the lead, falling by a 7\u20133 decision.<\/p>\n Maryland got on the board at 149 as Carter Young<\/a> scored early with a takedown and continued to add points, preventing Northwestern’s Sam Cartella from mounting a comeback. Young secured a 5\u20131 decision, cutting the team score to 9\u20133.<\/p>\n At 157, Mekhi Neal<\/a> was defeated by Gunnar Myers via technical fall, 15\u20130. The Terps were able to gain momentum at 165, where Aj Rodrigues edged Jacob Bostelman. Rodrigues sealed the 4\u20130 decision with an escape point and a late takedown.<\/p>\n Northwestern extended its lead at 174 as Eddie Enright defeated Alex Uryniak<\/a> by technical fall, 19\u20133. Seth Digby<\/a> fell at 184 to J.D. Perez by major decision, 8\u20130, after trailing early in the match.<\/p>\n At 197, Branson John<\/a> continued his strong season, pinning Alex Smith at 7:49 to bring Maryland within reach and make the score 23\u201312. However, Northwestern clinched the dual at heavyweight, where Gabe Christenson defeated Oscar Williams<\/a> by major decision, 9\u20131.<\/p>\n The Terps return to action on Sunday, January 11, when they face No. 18 Wisconsin at 1 p.m. EST (12 p.m. CT) on Big Ten Network.<\/p>\n Results:\u00a0<\/p>\n 125: No. 29 Dedrick Navarro (Northwestern) DEC (4-2) Presden Sanchez<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n 133: No. 12 No. 23 Sean Spidle DEC (4-2) Braxton Brown<\/a> (Northwestern)\u00a0<\/p>\n 141: No. 31 Billy Dekraker (Northwestern) DEC (7-3)\u00a0 Ryan Kennedy<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n 149: No. 12 Carter Young<\/a> DEC (5\u20131) Sam Cartella (Northwestern)\u00a0<\/p>\n 157: Gunnar Myers (Northwestern) TF (15-0) Mekhi Neal<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 165: Aj Rodrigues DEC (4-0) Jacob Bostelman (Northwestern)<\/p>\n 174: No.31 Eddie Enright (Northwestern) TF (19-3) No.31 Eddie Enright (Northwestern)<\/p>\n 184: J.D. Perez (Northwestern) MD (8-0) Seth Digby<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n 197: No. 15 Branson John<\/a> F (12-3, 7:49) Alex Smith (Northwestern)<\/p>\n