The 14th-ranked UNC wrestling team kicked off its season in style on Sunday at Carmichael Arena, as the Tar Heels cruised to a 45-0 win over Gardner-Webb.

Freshman Julian Tagg started the day at 125 pounds, winning his first career collegiate match by decision. Following Tagg’s victory, the next six Tar Heels won their matches by either technical fall or by pin.

At 149 pounds, top-ranked Austin O’Connor pinned his opponent in just 47 seconds. Not to be outdone, 165-pound redshirt senior Kennedy Monday won by pin in just 15 seconds.

UNC won all 10 matches in the main dual meet, as the teams also agreed to wrestle extra matches to allow others on the team to get some much-needed mat time.

In those extra matches, the Tar Heels went 9-1.

Up Next:

ACC competition begins for the team on Friday, when No. 8 Virginia Tech visits Carmichael Arena for a showdown between two top-15 teams. That match is set to begin at 6 p.m.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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