mobanmarketMOORHEAD, Minn. — Blake Bosch’s final home match as a Minnesota State University Moorhead wrestler could not have went better.
The senior pinned Naquan Hardy of McKendree to win the regional title at 133 pounds during the Super Region 3 tournament held on Saturday in Moorhead, Minn. Sophomore Kristian Vazquez also had a good tournament, placing fifth at 141 pounds and narrowing missing a trip to the national championships.
It is the second straight year that Bosch has won the regional title. He is now a four-time national qualifier.
Bosch’s pin came in front of many home fans who erupted in cheers after the pin was completed.
In the Dragons’ last home dual, Bosch (28-1) won by forfeit and didn’t get to wrestle. He was more than happy to be at home for the regional tournament.
“It was awesome,” Bosch said of being at home. “It means a lot…it made it easier to focus and we had a good support. It is fun to compete in Nemzek when it’s full.”
It was not the first time Bosch has pinned Hardy in his career. Last year in the consolation bracket, Bosch pinned Hardy in 1:41. This year it took 2:33 to record the fall.
“When I wrestled him last year and all the matches I watched him wrestle in this tournament, I knew he was really good on his feet. He is quick and explosive,” Bosch said. “When I wrestled him last year, the on-bottom wasn’t his strength. I knew I’d work the top, and I knew that would work. My goal was to go back to that and get the pin.”
Earlier in the day, Bosch beat Josh Walker of Upper Iowa by a major decision in the semifinals.
Bosch has been an All-American twice in his career and finished fourth last year. He will have several days to prepare for the national meet, which is March 10-11 in Birmingham, Ala.
“At this point you’re not going to learn new moves,” Bosch said. “I want to focus on the little things, keep doing everything right the next two weeks and stay focused.”
Vazquez (15-11) had a solid tournament for MSUM, placing fifth. In the wrestlebacks on Saturday, he opened with a 15-11 win over Minnesota State’s Louie Sanders. He then lost a tough 7-5 contest to Jordan Roths of Upper Iowa but came back to pin Central Missouri’s Brad Irwin in 35 seconds to claim fifth.
2017 NCAA Division II Northern Regional Qualifier Results
Wrestlebacks/Session 3
At 157 pounds, senior Isaac Novacek lost a tough 5-3 decision to Tyler Nation of Augustana in the wrestleback round. Novacek finished his season at 17-13.
Sophomore Adam Blees lost a 13-3 major decision to Batchuluun Zulkhuu of LIndenwood at 184 pounds. Blees finished 17-11 on the year. Senior Nader Abdullatif lost a 3-1 overtime decision to Jacob Borgmeyer of Lindenwood at 285 to end the year at 20-11.
Sophomore Jared Goldsmith lost at 125 pounds to Upper Iowa’s Maleek Williams, 3-2 in the wrestle backs to end his season. Goldsmith ended 14-17.
Visit The Guillotine College Tournament Time Page for brackets, results, and live video links.
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