Short-handed Lights fall short in Minot State dual

The Montana State University-Northern Lights didn't quite get the win they were looking for Thursday night. But on the mat in one of Montana's biggest wrestling communities, the Lights still prevailed.

Last Thursday, the No. 18 Lights took on NCAA Division II Minot State in a special dual at the Sidney High School Gymnasium. Sidney is home to the proud Sidney Eagle wrestling program, and it was a great place for Northern to showcase its proud program.

Early on the Lights had a big lead on Minot State, as Nick Kunz won a decision at 133 pounds, while Landon Bailey moved up to 141 and beat former Circle start Lincoln Stormer in major decision. Former Havre Blue Pony Lane Paulson followed that up with a major win over former CMR Rustler Kai Stewart at 149 pounds, giving the Lights an 11-3 lead.

The Beavers, though, would win matches at 157 and 165 pounds, as well as heavyweight, and also pick up a forfeit at 197, which would end up capping off a 24-20 win over the Lights. Northern did get a technical fall victory from Chase Short at 174 pounds, while Cody Goulding picked up a major at 184 for the Lights, who did win four matches with bonus points.

The trip to Sidney capped off Northern's first week back from the holiday break. The Lights beat Dickinson State last Tuesday. Northern will get right back on the road this weekend when they travel to the Missouri Valley Invitational Friday-Saturday in Marshall, Missouri. The Lights won't wrestle at home again until Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 when they dual Northwest College and Embry-Riddle, respectively.