Indiana University
Northwestern
IU Downed in Big Ten Opener vs. #9 Northwestern
12/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Dec. 15, 2010
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana University wrestling team suffered its first dual defeat of the season, dropping the conference opener versus No. 9 Northwestern (8-0) Wednesday night in Bloomington. Indiana (6-1) won three bouts in the 28-9 setback.
Redshirt freshman Ryan LeBlanc, wrestling in his first career Big Ten dual, put IU on the board at 165 pounds. The Morrisville, N.Y., native wasted little time with a takedown just five seconds into the opening period to go ahead 2-0. He then hit a beautiful fireman's carry to ensure the 8-5 decision over Northwestern's Kevin Bialka.
Fourteenth-ranked Matt Powless found himself in a bad situation early on, falling behind 5-1 and trailing by nearly 90 seconds in the riding time battle at the end of the first period. He went on a takedown streak during the next two periods, however, securing his third with 17 seconds left to force the match into sudden victory tied at 8-8. From there, Momentum kept coming for the Hoosier, taking down John Schoen one more time for the 10-8 triumph.
The next match was just as exciting. Heavyweight Ricky Alcala spun around for the bout-clinching takedown with just three ticks of the clock remaining. Alcala's 8-6 victory improves his season record to 13-3.
COMPLETE RESULTS
Indiana 9, Northwestern 28
125 lbs.- #2 Brandon Precin (NU) pins Justin Brooks (IU), 6:30; Team Score: 0-6
133 lbs.- #16 Levi Mele (NU) maj. dec. over Matt Ortega (IU), 10-2; TS: 0-10
141 lbs.- #20 Kaleb Friedley (NU) dec. over Mitchell Richey (IU), 6-5; TS: 0-13
149 lbs.- #7 Andrew Nadhir (NU) dec. over #11 Kurt Kinser (IU), 3-1; TS: 0-16
157 lbs.- #5 Jason Welch (NU) dec. over #10 Paul Young (IU), 4-1; TS: 0-19
165 lbs.- Ryan LeBlanc (IU) dec. over Kevin Bialka (NU), 8-5; TS: 3-19
174 lbs.- Brian Roddy, Jr. (NU) dec. over Nick Avery (IU), 6-1; TS: 3-22
184 lbs.- Aaron Jones (NU) pins Eric Cameron (IU), 6:03; TS: 3-28
197 lbs.- #14 Matt Powless (IU) dec. over John Schoen (NU), 10-8(SV); TS: 6-28
285 lbs.- Ricky Alcala (IU) dec. over Ben Kuhar (NU), 8-6; TS: 9-28
After wrapping up a few more finals this week, the Hoosiers are back to mats on Sunday, Dec. 19 for the Indiana Duals. The Cream and Crimson are slated to face Missouri and Eastern Michigan, starting with the Eagles at 10 a.m.
Players Mentioned
