GREAT FALLS — MSU-Northern used clutch performances in the heavier weights to pull away from the University of Providence 22-15 in the second wrestling dual of the season between the two rivals.
In January, the Argos topped the Lights 21-13 in Havre, but coach Tyson Thivierge altered his lineup in the rematch and the decisions paid dividends.
Joel Avila opened things up with a 15-3 major decision over Kaleb Frank at 125 pounds to give Providence a 4-0 lead.
The matchup at 133 was the most intriguing of the night. Last month, Argo senior Eli Walston knocked off defending NAIA champion Nick Kunz to set the tone for the Providence win. But on Thursday night, Kunz controlled Walston from start to finish, earning a 6-0 decision.
Providence won three off the next four matches to build a 15-6 lead, but Northern closed out the dual with four straight wins. A major decision from Chase Short at 174 pounds and a pin from Carl Hansen at 184 pounds gave the Lights a 16-15 lead, and then two decisions from Steeler French and Isaac Bartel, who both moved up a weight class, sealed the victory.
With no Cascade Conference tournament this year, wrestlers will earn spots at the national tournament based on records, rankings and common opponents.
RESULTS
| WEIGHT | Summary | UP | MSUN |
| 125 | Joel Avila (UP) over Kaleb Frank (MSUN) (MD 15-3) | 4 | 0 |
| 133 | Nick Kunz (MSUN) over Eli Walston (UP) (Dec 6-0) | 0 | 3 |
| 141 | Christian Mesa (UP) over Carl Cronin (MSUN) (MD 10-1) | 4 | 0 |
| 149 | Connor Harris (MSUN)over Justin Gibson (UP) (Dec 5-1) | 0 | 3 |
| 157 | Boone Giulio (UP) over Brock Bushfield (UP) (Dec 4-3) | 3 | 0 |
| 165 | Jordan Komac (UP) over Devin Crawford (MSUN) (MD 12-3) | 4 | 0 |
| 174 | No. 19 Chase Short (MSUN) over Bridger Hall (UP) (MD 14-6) | 0 | 4 |
| 184 | Carl Hansen (MSUN) over Alan Badley (UP) (Fall 4:17) | 0 | 6 |
| 197 | Steeler French (MSUN) over Emmit Augare (UP) (Dec 7-4) | 0 | 3 |
| 285 | No. 1 Isaac Bartel (MSUN) over KC Buday (UP) (TB-1 4-3) | 0 | 3 |
| 15 | 22 |
