The Luverne Cardinals opened the season Tuesday, Jan. 19, at home with a triangular against Redwood Valley and Fairmont-Martin County West.
The Cardinals lost to Redwood Valley 60-24 and then fell to FMCW 66-3.
Luverne got into the win column on Thursday, Jan. 21, with a 42-24 victory over Chester.
Redwood Valley
Riley Cowell defeated Lincoln Ourada by fall in the 120-pound division.
Braydon Ripka picked up a pinfall victory over Brayden Reynolds in the 152-pound division. The win for Ripka was his 60th career victory.
“Ripka’s 60th win was a fun way to kick off the season,” Luverne head coach Jordan Kopp said. “He has put in the work and time. I hope he feeds off that energy now.”
Hunter Baker followed Ripka's pinfall victory with a pinfall triumph of his own in the 160-pound division.
Fairmont-Martin County West
Cowell was the lone Cardinal to pick up a victory against Fairmont-Martin County West. The senior grappler improved to 2-0 on the young season with a win by decision (13-8).
Chester
Rayden Bodega picked up a pinfall victory for the Cardinals in the 113-pound division to even the match at 6-6.
Cowell improved to 3-0 with a pinfall victory to put the Cardinals up 12-6 in the match.
Chester won the next two matches to take an 18-12 lead.
The Cardinals then won the next three matches by pinfall to take a 30-18 lead.
Zach Bradley started the streak with a pinfall victory in the 145-pound division.
Ripka picked up his second victory of the season by pinfall in the 152-pound division.
Jaden Reisch scored a victory by pinfall in the 160-pound division.