Wrestling Wins Opening Day Duals by Combined Score 70-16

LITTLE ROCK — The Little Rock Wrestling team kicked off the 2024-25 season in dominant fashion, securing two decisive victories over Central Missouri (32-6) and Nebraska-Kearney (38-10). The Trojans showcased their strength and determination, notching an impressive 4 pins, 4 major decisions, and 3 technical falls across the duals, sending a clear message for the season ahead.

Match Highlights and Key Wrestlers

• #2 Nasir Bailey demonstrated why he's ranked second in the nation, going 2-0 on the day with two technical falls, outscoring his opponents 32-1. Bailey's relentless pace led to a 17-1 victory in his first match and a flawless 15-0 shutout in his second.
• #26 Matty Bianchi also delivered a strong performance, picking up a 20-4 major decision in his opening match, followed by a solid 8-2 decision in his second. His commanding victories highlight his readiness to compete at the highest level this season.
• Jake Adams started the season with style, recording Little Rock's first major decision of the year in a 9-1 win, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess.
• Kodiak Cannedy made an explosive season debut, earning the Trojans' first pin of the year in his opening match. His aggressive style set the tone for the rest of the team.
• Brennan Van Hoecke wasted no time on the mat, securing a first-round pin and adding to the Trojans' impressive tally.

After a slow start, the Trojans quickly found their rhythm, defending their home territory—the Rocktagon—with intensity and heart. With the season opener behind them, Little Rock now heads to Kansas City to compete in this year's Tiger Style Tournament, hosted by Missouri. 

#21 Little Rock: 32, Central Missouri: 6
125: Jason Burks (UCM) DEC Reid Nelson, 8-6
133: #2 Nasir Bailey TF James Wright (UCM), 17-1 (3:45)
141: Trey Dillow (UCM) DEC Cole Minnick, 5-3
149: Jake Adams MD Garrett Lyons (UCM), 9-1
157: #26 Matty Bianchi DEC John Ridle (UCM), 20-4 (6:27)
165: Austin Keal DEC Anthony Erickson (UCM), 6-4
174: Kodiak Cannedy PIN Paul Hernandez (UCM), 2:44
184: Triston Wills DEC Damon Ashworth (UCM), 9-7
197: Branson Britten DEC Brayden Dillow (UCM), 8-3
285: Apollo Gothard DEC Torin Forsyth (UCM), 4-1

#21 Little Rock: 38, Nebraska-Kearney: 12
125: Zachary Ourada (UNK) MD Reid Nelson, 12-0
133: #2 Nasir Bailey TF Caleb Coyle (UNK), 15-0 (2:32)
141: Jayden Gomez MD Joseph Airola (UNK), 12-4
149: Brennan Van Hoecke PIN Brody Arrants (UNK), 1:14
157: #26 Matty Bianchi DEC Cael Robb (UNK), 8-2
165: Brendon Abdon PIN Trenton Munoz (UNK), 1:14
174: #27 Tyer Brennan PIN Kaden Hart (UNK), 2:46
184: #13 Brock DelSignore MD Jacobi Deal (UNK), 17-4
197: #5 Stephen Little MD Jackson Kinsella (UNK), 17-5
285: Crew Howard (UNK) PIN KJ Miley, 1:29

For the latest information on Little Rock Wrestling, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockWRES on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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