PEMBROKE – The 10^th-ranked UNC Pembroke wrestling team tacked up 20 takedowns and four reversals, while also picking up four victories via forfeit, on the way to a 45-3 win over Queens on Saturday afternoon at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
 
The win officially capped the home portion of the 2018-19 schedule for the Braves (5-5) who will cap the dual meet portion of this season's slate with road contests against Newberry and Greensboro next month. Saturday's setback kept the Royals winless in 2018-19.
 
All-American Nick Daggett got the day started on a positive note for the hosts with a 6-2 decision over Melvin Rubio at 125 pounds, and the Black & Gold picked up forfeit wins at both 133 and 141 pounds to stretch its lead on the team scoreboard out to 15-0. Queens got on the board via Jude Lloyd's 13-8 decision in the 149-pound matchup, but Tyler Makosy helped the Braves answer with a 17-2 technical fall over Micah Marcin at 157 pounds.
 
UNCP led 26-3 after another forfeit by the Royals at 165 pounds, and seniors Rodney Shepard (174 pounds) and Faris Teia pushed that advantage out to 36-3 with bonus-point wins of their own. UNCP picked up its final forfeit win of the day at 197 pounds, and Marcus Bell put the cap on the final with an 11-4 decision in the heavyweight matchup.
 
The Braves will be back in action again on February 4 when they trek to central South Carolina to battle region rival Newberry (9-2) in a 7 p.m. dual meet inside Eleazer Arena.