GREENWOOD, S.C. – Second-ranked
Nick Daggett avenged his loss in last year's national championship bout in the opening match of the day, while newcomer
Jake Piccirilli scored an upset of his own later in the event, but the 18th-ranked UNC Pembroke wrestling team was unable to capture a win in three tries on Saturday at the Lander-hosted The Carolina Clash.
The Braves (0-3) dropped a 32-12 contest to fourth-ranked West Liberty in Friday's opening round, and then fell on the wrong end of a 27-14 matchup with another former Mountain East Conference rival, Glenville State. Second-ranked St. Cloud State won eight of the 10 individual matchups in the evening session to top the Black & Gold, 33-5. The Braves had an early lead against both West Liberty and Glenville, but were unable to hold on.
Daggett, Piccirilli and
Anthony Carter all posted a team-best two wins at the much-anticipated event.
Loye Burkhead and
Marcus Bell both picked up a win as well. Daggett registered a convincing 12-6 decision over defending national champion and top-ranked Cole Laya of West Liberty on Saturday morning, while Piccirilli ousted 10th-ranked Jake Barzowski of St. Cloud State in overtime in the nightcap of the dual event.
The Braves will resume their 2021-22 schedule on December 12 when they head to southwest West Virginia to battle Bluefield State in a 2 p.m. dual meet. Former UNCP all-American Blaze Shade is in his second season as head coach of the Big Blues.
