The No. 12 UNC wrestling team began its 2021-22 campaign with two dominant dual wins Monday evening. The Tar Heels took down Life University 29-6 before shutting out Queen’s University 48-0 later that night. Life University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and is ranked No. 2 in the NAIA’s preseason poll. Queen’s competes in NCAA Division II.

Defending national champion Austin O’Connor showed why he’s a threat to take the title again, winning both of his matchups. O’Connor is ranked No. 2 in the 157-pound weight class. Zach Sherman, ranked No. 5 in the 149-pound weight class, also performed well, winning against competitors from both Life and Queen’s.

Carolina has now won three straight home openers under head coach Coleman Scott. Scott also collected his 62nd and 63rd wins with UNC.

“Life wrestled tough and laid it all on the line; that’s why we wanted to face them,” Scott told Carolina Athletics. “It was really good for our guys to respond to them. They had some tough outs, and nothing was easy in the match. It was awesome.”

Between the two opponents, Carolina won 19 of 20 duals on the night.

UNC will likely face much stiffer competition in their next match, as they’ll travel to Columbus, OH, to take on No. 10 Ohio State next Sunday. Sherman will likely face off against Ohio State’s Sammy Sasso, who is ranked No. 1 in the 149-pound class.

 

Featured image via Carolina Athletics/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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