The UNC wrestling team earned its first ACC win of the season Friday night in Carmichael Arena, throttling rival Duke for a decisive 29-6 victory.

Carolina, currently ranked No. 22 in the country in the latest poll, won nine of 12 total matches on the night, including victories from Kizhan Clarke, ranked No. 7 in the 141-pound weight class, and defending national champion Austin O’Connor, ranked No. 6 in the 157-pound class.

In the 174-pound bout, UNC’s Clay Lautt, ranked No. 16, took down Duke’s Matt Finesilver, ranked No. 13, in a critical 8-5 decision.

“I think we saw a lot of fight tonight,” said UNC head coach Coleman Scott. “I think our energy was really good as well.”

Wins from Spencer Moore, Joe Heilmann and Clarke shot Carolina out to a 10-0 lead which the Blue Devils could not overcome. O’Connor’s victory over Wade Unger from Duke answered the visitors’ first win of the night, and was quickly followed by a win from UNC’s Sonny Santiago, his seventh of the season.

The win is UNC’s first in conference play this season, and its first dual action since a December 17 match against Appalachian State in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels will host Little Rock for another dual on Sunday in Carmichael Arena before continuing ACC play at Virginia on January 28.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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