The 14th-ranked UNC wrestling team began its ACC schedule in style on Friday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, defeating the rival Duke Blue Devils by a score of 29-9.

Duke took a 3-0 lead after winning the opening match at 125 pounds, but the Tar Heels (2-0, 1-0 ACC) won each of the next two matches–including a four-point major decision by No. 10 Zach Sherman at 141 pounds–to go back ahead for good.

Gavin Kane and Max Shaw each added major decision victories at 174 and 197 pounds, respectively, while No. 10 Kennedy Monday added five points to UNC’s score with a technical fall win at 165 pounds.

The Tar Heels also received a huge boost in the 187-pound bout, when Duke’s Jack Wimmer was hurt in the first period–giving No. 15 Clay Lautt a win by injury default.

UNC won seven of the 10 overall matches on Friday, even without Austin O’Connor–the nation’s top-ranked wrestler at 149 pounds–competing.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels return to the mat on Friday, Jan. 29 against No. 4 NC State.

 

Photo via Jenna Miller (JennaMillerProductions.com)

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