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Contact: Bill Boppre, Sports Media Assistant
 
2016 Ranger Duals Results

Somers, Wis. (Jan. 16, 2016)-- The University of Wisconsin-Parkside wrestling squad squared up against three nationally ranked teams on Saturday at the Ranger Duals inside the Petretti Fieldhouse.  The Rangers started off the day with a 28-15 win over twelfth-ranked University of Tiffin.  In their second matchup of the day, UW-Parkside fell to second-ranked St. Cloud State University 25-15.  The Rangers finished off their day with a 27-13 victory over fourteenth-ranked University of Findlay.
 
In the morning matchup against Tiffin, Parkside collected points in the first three weight classes, including three points from Ronzel Darling (125-pounds).  Darling won his match by a 12-7 decision, but would not be able to compete the rest of the day due to injury.  The Dragons brought a trio of nationally ranked grapplers to the mat against the Rangers, and all three were successful in securing wins.  UW-Parkside was competing with four nationally ranked wrestlers of their own, including Nick Becker (174-pounds) and Montrail Johnson (184-pounds), who pinned their opponents in back-to-back matches.  Sixth-ranked, Nick Fishback (165-pounds) also won his match by major decision 13-0.
 
In the second dual for the Rangers, they found themselves competing against second-ranked St. Cloud State.  With two No. 1 nationally ranked wrestlers on their squad, the Huskies proved to be too much to handle on Saturday.  Joseph Her (133-pounds), Pernevlon Shepperd (141-pounds), Nick Becker, and Montrail Johnson went a perfect 3-0 on Saturday, each picking up their second victories against St. Cloud State.  Becker's 10-6 decision was over Clayton Jennissen, ranked fourth nationally.  The loss to St. Cloud State was only the second dual loss of the season for the Green and White.
 
UW-Parkside took its frustrations out in the final match of the day against University of Findlay.  The Oilers only collected points in three matches: one by forfeit, and two wins from their two nationally ranked wrestlers.  Outside of those matches it was all Parkside.  Josh Anthony (197-pounds), Fishback, and Johnson all picked up major decision wins over Findlay.  Closing out the day with some frustrations of his own, Matt Halverson (285-pounds) won the final match of the day with a 2:49 pin fall.  Halverson's first two matches were against the first and second nationally ranked wrestlers in the heavyweight division.
 
The Rangers will host their final dual of the season when they return to the mat against University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Friday, January 22 at 7pm inside the DeSimone Gymnasium.