The Luverne wrestling team participated in two triangulars this past week.
The Cardinals started the week with a triangular against Fulda-Murrray County Central and Adrian Area on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Luverne tied with Fulda-MCC 40-40, but ultimately lost on criteria due to too many forfeits.
The Cardinals then lost to Adrian Area 57-24.
On Thursday, Feb. 18, the Cardinals lost both their matches to Jackson County Central and Worthington.
LHS 40, Fulda-MCC 40
Luverne’s Rayden Boyenga started the dual with a pinfall victory over Torrin Clark in the 106-pound division.
In the 120-pound division it was Riley Cowell defeating Aidan Lorenzen by decision (13-0).
Following three straight losses, the Cardinals rattled off four straight wins by fall.
Braydon Ripka started the streak by defeating Quinten Lewis by fall in the 145-pound division.
Jaden Reisch picked up the pinfall victory over Owen Olsem in the 152-pound weight class.
Hunter Baker defeated Carson Klein by fall in the 160-pound division.
Maysn Smith won by fall over Devin Landsman in the 170-pound division.
In the 195-pound division, Ayden Bonnett defeated Colby Kesteloot by fall.
Adrian 57, LHS 24
The Cardinals lost the first two matches against the Dragons before Cowell got them on the board. In the 120-pound division Cowell defeated David Anaya by fall.
Ripka won by fall over Reese Morrison in the 145-pound class.
In the 160-pound division it was Baker defeating Rilee Heidebrink by fall.
The Cardinals picked up their second straight win by fall when Jacob Madison defeated Micah Bullerman in the 170-pound division.
Worthington 78, LHS 3
On Thursday, Feb. 18, the Cardinals squared off against Worthington and JCC, two well oiled machines.
“It wasn’t our best showing,” Luverne head coach, Jordan Kopp said. “Worthington and JCC are two very tough teams.”
Cowell was the lone winner for the Cardinals against the Trojans.
Cowell won by decision (8-3) over Oscar Galvez in the 120-pound division.
JCC 76, LHS 6
Cowell was the lone winner for the Cardinals against JCC.
In the 120-pound division Cowell won by fall over Seth Stai.
It may have been a night to forget for the Cardinals, but Cowell picked up his 100th career win.
“Getting to 100 wins is a big accomplishment,” Kopp said. “It’s been great to see how far he has come from his first career varsity win to his 100th win.”
The wrestling team will be back on the mat Thursday, Feb. 25 when they hit the road to take on BOLD.