MSU-N wrestlers ready to get back on the mat

After a pair of big setbacks, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team is slated to finally return to the mat for the first time in 2024.

Northern's return will also be its return to the Armory Gymnasium, as the Lights take on Cascade Conference rival Southern Oregon tonight.

And MSU-N's layoff has been much longer than expected. The Lights last competed on Dec. 17 at the Reno Tournament of Champions. MSU-N was slated to go to the NWAC Duals on Jan. 3-4 but injuries kept them from competing there. Then last week, the Lights were unable to compete at the Missouri Valley Collegiate due to travel issues. So tonight's dual against SOU will be their first time on the mat in competition in over a month.

Northern comes into the dual ranked No. 20 in the NAIA, while SOU is No. 18. The Raiders are always strong and tonight will be no different as they're led by Evan Potter, who is ranked No. 1 at 141 pounds. 

Still, as tough as the Raiders are, competition will be a welcome sight for the Lights, who will now look to the remaining month of their schedule to prepare for the postseason. That schedule also includes a trip to Dickinson, North Dakota, for the Tyler Plummer Classic Saturday.

First though, the Lights will battle the Raiders tonight at 7 in the Armory Gymnasium. The dual is MSU-N's final dual in the Armory for this season.