Missouri wrestling emerged victorious in its first dual of the weekend, winning against Appalachian State 43-6. The only loss came in the last match of the night, with freshman heavyweight James Romero losing by fall in the first period.

The meet started at 125 pounds with sophomore Barlow McGhee getting an early escape and a late takedown to defeat Appalachian State’s No. 33 Vito Pasone. Tigers junior Zach Synon followed that up with a 6-2 win at 133 pounds against the Mountaineers’ Jacob Grigg.

At 141 pounds, Missouri junior Matt Manley escaped a late takedown by Mike Long to win 7-5. Then, junior Lavion Mayes defeated Matt Zovistoski by technical fall 19-4 to keep his undefeated record.

Senior Le’Roy Barnes ended the first half of matches strong for the Tigers with a quick first period pin at 157 pounds. Redshirt freshman Daniel Lewis followed the intermission with a 14-7 victory over Forrest Przybysz.

The 174-197 weight classes are what some like to call “death row” for the Tigers, and domination was all people saw, with senior Blaise Butler starting off with a fall at 174 pounds. Sophomore Willie Miklus, at 184 pounds, and senior J’Den Cox, at 197 pounds, also posted quick falls against Appalachian State.

No. 5 Missouri beat Appalachian State, but is not done in North Carolina yet. The Tigers head to No. 3 North Carolina State Sunday for a top-five team match-up to attempt to secure a spot in the NCWA National Duals.

_Edited by Alec Lewis | alewis@themaneater.com_