Tolbert, Thomas undefeated on the day
Kyle McDonald | Sports writer | @kylesportsbias
Ypsilanti, Mich. — The Utah Valley University wrestling team started their 2015-16 campaign off with a bang by defeating Big 10 Conference opponent Michigan State 30-6 in the first of three dual meets at the Eastern Michigan Duals on Saturday morning. The Wolverines lost the following two duals to Rider 20-12 and No. 11 Illinois 32-6.
Senior Chasen Tolbert, who is ranked 13th in the nation at 125 pounds, and 197-pounder Derek Thomas both went 3-0 on the afternoon. Tolbert won by decision in all of his matches and Thomas won by two decisions and then a sudden death overtime victory against Ryan Wolfe of Rider. The victory by Thomas against Rider stopped a string of six straight wins by the Rider wrestlers.
Three-time national qualifier Jade Rauser went 2-1 on the day. His only loss coming to Zane Richards of Illinois in the third dual meet of the day. Redshirt sophomore Dustin Dennison also went 2-1 and he lost his final match 2-1 to Brooks Black of Illinois on a questionable call.
Brayden Humpherys was the only Wolverine to win by way of a fall as he did so in his first match against Josh Pennell of Michigan State.
Jarod Maynes, Ross Taylor and Will Sumner all won their opening matches before falling in the next two.
The UVU grapplers will hit the mat again on November 21 when they travel to Corvallis, Ore. to take on No. 19 Oregon State and No. 18 Rutgers. Their first home match will be on November 28 when they host Boise State at 4 p.m. MT.
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