SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Raiders competed in the Sioux City Open hosted by Briar Cliff University and fought hard with several standout performances.
Reid Hulshof was a force in the 197-pound division, notching two pins in under two minutes each. He made his way to the finals after collecting a pair of first period falls over Brandon Alexander (Waldorf University), and Ryan Darnell (Indian Hills CC). Hulshof was outmaneuvered by Tayshaun Glover (NDSU) and would lose by major decision finishing his tournament as the runner-up.
In the 149-pound category,
Derrick Day made a statement with a dominant 20-3 technical fall over Gabe Wagner (Morningside University). Day also secured falls against Jaden Kondor (Waldorf University), and Braysen Salinas (Concordia University).
Thomas Vance competed fiercely in the 184-pound division, achieving a 13-4 major decision against Blane Boehmer (Concordia University) and a 7-0 decision over Daniel Ucelo (Morningside University). Vance's momentum was halted after falling to fall to Keenan Sheridan by fall (SDSU) and a major decision loss to Lane Miller (Dakota Wesleyan).
In the heavyweight 285-pound class,
Jaxson Hildebrand showcased his prowess with falls over Braden Petersen (Buena Vista) and Nicklaus Kemp (South Jordan). Hildebrand also edged out a narrow 1-0 decision against Justin Brown (Indian Hills) but succumbed to Naasir Edmonds by technical fall, 17-2. Hildebrand would collect two medical forfeits as well to finish out the tournament with a third place finish.
Also at heavyweight,
Logan Ash would go 1-2 on the day, but take out Megaeska Kalskett (Morningside) avenging his loss to him from the dual against the Mustangs earlier this month.
Rocco Sauer would go 2-2 on the day and
Marcus Ball would finish out 1-2.
Aiden Smith represented the Raiders in the 157-pound weight class, pinning Aiden Kirk (Buena Vista) and picked up a technical fall against Brandon Harris (Briar Cliff) with a 16-1 score. Smith further secured a 16-7 major decision over Collin Hurlburt (Morningside), but would fall to two opponents from Augustana. Smith closed out his tournament with a 5th place finish.
UP NEXT: The Raiders are home this Wednesday for Senior Night against the Warriors of Waldorf University. Action starts at 6pm!
