In wrestling news, Minot State opened the 2021 winter season at home on Thursday. However, it was the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks who got the better of the Beavers that evening as they defeated MSU 31-12.

Among the highlights for the Beavers, Jordan Will, the eighth-ranked heavyweight according to the NCAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, won by a 3-1 decision over Mankato’s David Griffet. Also that night, sophomore Nathan Baca (157) broke through with a 3-1 sudden victory over Cooper Siebrecht.

Meanwhile, senior Keegan Berry (184) was the only other Beaver to earn a victory as he won by way of fall over Dylan Butts. Afterwards, MSU head wrestling coach Evan Forde was complimentary of Mankato while also acknowledging the areas his team needs to improve on.

“They were a tough squad up and down the lineup, they came to compete and wrestled really well,” Forde said of Mankato. “We knew we needed to win some of those light weights if we wanted to have a chance, so it was tough starting out. We gave up three falls, and you’re just not going to win in this league doing that. We have got to do a much better job winning that bonus point battle.”

Up next, Minot State is scheduled to travel to St. Cloud State for its next meet on Thursday, Jan. 14. That contest is slated for a 7 p.m. start time.