"More than anything I thought we wrestled pretty well," said head coach Jim Heffernan. "We got slowed down a little bit like we did last week which concerns me, but I think our guys are ready for a couple days off and getting ready for the postseason now. The seniors did great and they've been great to our program."
Redshirt freshman Justin Cardani started the day with a strong performance in the 125-pound bout against Jeremy Trinh. Cardani jumped out to the early lead with a takedown and later a four-point nearfall in the first period. He'd tack on two more with a reversal in the second. He earned the riding time point, and achieved a shutout, 11-0, major decision over Trinh. Cardani, ranked 19th nationally at 125, moves to 15-7 on the season and closes the dual schedule with a record of 11-3.
Senior Travis Piotrowski made the last appearance of his career at Huff Hall on Friday. Taking on Lawrence Saenz in the 133-pound bout, the four-year starter Piotrowski opened his last home match with a quick takedown. He escaped twice, and added on another takedown in the third, defeating Saenz by decision, 6-4. Ranked seventh nationally at 133-pounds, Piotrowski is now 23-2 this year, and ends the dual season undefeated at 14-0.
After Fresno State won the next two bouts, the Illini needed a win to stay in front. Redshirt senior Eric Barone attacked quickly against No. 14 Jacob Wright, going ahead early in the first with a takedown. With the match tied at 2-2 in the third, Barone escaped to re-take the lead at 3-2. Barone tacked on a takedown in the final seconds to put the finishing touches on a 6-2 upset decision win over Jacob Wright. Barone's win on Senior Day is his fourth straight victory.
Redshirt freshman Danny Braunagel looked to keep the momentum going in the 165-pound match against Adam Kemp. After trailing early in the first, Braunagel responded with two takedowns later in the period and would take a 5-3 lead into the second. Braunagel did not allow a point the rest of the way, and would go on to defeat Kemp by decision, 8-3. Ranked No.12 nationally at 165. Braunagel is now 20-6 overall and finishes the dual schedule going 10-3 in those matchups.
Redshirt senior Joey Gunther had solid third period to get a win in his final start at Huff Hall. Trailing Jackson Hemauer, 1-0, at the start of the third, Gunther escaped and recorded a takedown to take a 3-1 lead. Gunther added a second takedown in the period, and would go on to defeat Hemauer by decision, 5-3. Gunther, ranked 15th nationally at 174-pounds, moves to 15-6 on the season.
Redshirt freshman Zac Braunagel had a dominant performance in his matchup with Hunter Cruz at 184-pounds. Ranked 15th nationally, Braunagel recorded eight takedowns against the No. 32-ranked Cruz en route to an 18-5 major decision. Braunagel is now 18-8 on the season.
Redshirt sophomore Matt Wroblewski earned the final Illini victory of the dual. Taking on Dominic Kincaid, Wroblewski recorded two first period takedowns and ended the opening frame with a 4-3 lead. Wroblewski added a takedown in both the second and third periods, and would win the 197-pound bout in a 10-6 decision over Kincaid.
With the regular season now wrapped up, Illinois wrestling will prepare for the 2020 Big Ten Championships, set for Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 at Rutgers.
Results:
125: No. 19 Justin Cardani (ILL) major dec. Jeremy Trinh (FRES), 11-0 | ILL 4, FRES 0
133: No. 7 Travis Piotrowski (ILL) dec. Lawrence Saenz (FRES), 6-4 | ILL 7, FRES 0
141: No. 15 DJ Lloren (FRES) dec. No. 17 Dylan Duncan (ILL), 3-2 | ILL 7, FRES 3
149: Greg Gaxiola (FRES) dec. Mousa Jodeh (ILL), 4-3 | ILL 7, FRES 6
157: Eric Barone (ILL) dec. No. 14 Jacob Wright, 6-2 | ILL 10, FRES 6
165: No. 12 Danny Braunagel (ILL) dec. Adam Kemp (FRES), 8-3 | ILL 13, FRES 6
174: No. 15 Joey Gunther (ILL) dec. Jackson Hemauer (FRES), 5-3 | ILL 16, FRES 6
184: No. 15 Zac Braunagel (ILL) major dec. No. 32 Hunter Cruz (FRES), 18-5 | ILL 20, FRES 6
197: Matt Wroblewski (ILL) dec. Dominic Kincaid (FRES), 10-6 | ILL 23, FRES 6
285: No. 9 Josh Hokit (FRES) dec. No. 27 Luke Luffman (ILL), 8-2 | ILL 23, FRES 9
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