Missouri struggles in semi-finals
Iowa's Ryan Morningstar picks up junior Nick Marable during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Morningstar upset Marable 2-1.
Missouri had the chance to put five guys into the Midlands Championships. But the firepower that they had all day yesterday when they simply dominated opponents was totally absent in the semi-finals this morning.
The first semi-final match for Missouri featured Chandler against Iowa State's Cyler Sanderson. Sanderson is the younger brother of the famed Cael Sanderson, who is the only wrestler to go undefeated in college, boasting a 159-0 record during his career as a Cyclone. While the two have had several close bouts in their history, Sanderson ran away with this match, winning by a score of 9-5.
Marable then faced off against Iowa's Ryan Morningstar. After a scoreless first period, Morningstar escaped to take a 1-0 lead into the third period. Marable escaped in the third period, but Morningstar was able to get enough riding time in to upset Marable 2-1.
Jordan followed Marable's match and after a scoreless first period, Jordan escaped to take a 1-0 lead. Jordan then gave up an escape and a takedown, and after an escape of his own, lost the match 3-2.
Askren gave up an early takedown to Dallas Herbst of Wisconsin and spent the rest of the period fighting off his back to fall behind early 5-0. Askren came back swinging though and scored four straight points, but then have up another five points by literally falling to his back. Askren was also upset 13-8.
Ellis faced Rashard Goff of Cleveland State and was finally able to get a Missouri wrestler into the finals. After a scoreless first period once again, Ellis escaped to take a 1-0 lead. Goff escaped at the end of the third period to tie the match up at one point. In overtime, Ellis scored a quick takedown 29 seconds in to finally win a match for Missouri.
Nick Forrester/Senior Staff Photographer | Iowa's Ryan Morningstar picks up junior Nick Marable during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Morningstar upset Marable 2-1.
Nick Forrester/Senior Staff Photographer | Junior Max Askren tries to fight off of his back against Wisconsin's Dallas Herbst during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Herbst upset Askren, 13-8.
Nick Forrester/Senior Staff Photographer | Junior Mark Ellis takes control of Cleveland State's Rashard Goff during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Ellis defeated Goff 3-1 in overtime, becoming the only Missouri wrestler to advance to the championship matches.
Nick Forrester/Senior Staff Photographer | Junior Nick Marable defends a shot by Ryan Morningstar during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Morningstar upset Marable 2-1.
Nick Forrester/Senior Staff Photographer | Senior Raymond Jordan fights off of the bottom against Mike Cannon of American. Cannon upset Jordan 3-2.
Junior Max Askren tries to fight off of his back against Wisconsin's Dallas Herbst during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Herbst upset Askren, 13-8.
Junior Mark Ellis takes control of Cleveland State's Rashard Goff during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Ellis defeated Goff 3-1 in overtime, becoming the only Missouri wrestler to advance to the championship matches.
Junior Nick Marable defends a shot by Ryan Morningstar during their semifinal match of the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern University. Morningstar upset Marable 2-1.
Senior Raymond Jordan fights off of the bottom against Mike Cannon of American. Cannon upset Jordan 3-2.