**Willmar Wrestling Secures Ranked Win Over Holdingford at Lightning Duals**
The Willmar wrestling team clinched a thrilling 36-35 victory over Holdingford in the final match of the Lightning Duals on Saturday. The Cardinals’ Lawson Anez sealed the win with a dominant 19-3 tech fall against Huskers’ Mason Lichy at 285 pounds.
Willmar, currently ranked 10th in Class AAA by The Guillotine—a statewide wrestling website—faced a tough opponent in third-ranked Class A Holdingford. The Cardinals finished the day with a 2-1 record, also defeating host Annandale/Maple Lake 43-26 before narrowly falling to New Ulm 33-30.
All seven of Willmar’s wins in the event came with bonus points, showcasing the team’s strong performance. Notable victories by fall included Easton Cruze (121), Cavin Carlson (160), and Isaac Cayler (189). Landen Kassel (107) and Lawson Anez also secured wins by tech fall, while Logan Fagerlie (133) and Chase Hyatt (139) contributed back-to-back major decisions.
Earlier in the duals, Willmar dominated host Annandale/Maple Lake with a convincing 43-26 win. Wrestlers Landen Kassel (114), Cavin Carlson (160), Cameren Champagne (172), Isaac Cayler (189), and Lawson Anez (215) all recorded wins by fall. Easton Cruze (121) and Wyatt Cruze (152) added tech fall victories, and Chase Hyatt (139) earned a decision win for the Cardinals.
New Ulm, ranked seventh in Class AA, overcame Willmar 33-30 in a close match, highlighted by a 24-point scoring run between 127 and 152 pounds. Despite the tough loss, Willmar’s Lawson Anez (215) and Levi Swanson (285) delivered back-to-back falls. Landen Kassel (107), Cavin Carlson (160), and Cameren Champagne (172) each secured tech fall wins.
In regional competition, Benson finished fourth out of nine teams at the Park Region Conference championship held in Bertha, scoring 147.5 points. The Braves trailed first-place Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale/Parkers Prairie, which amassed 190 points. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle/Browerville took second with 150 points, followed closely by United North Central in third with 149.
Championship winners for Benson included Gavin Olson (127), Max Nygaard (139), and Adrian Young (189). Additionally, Carson Olson (114) and Darin Hippe (172) earned second-place finishes for the Braves.
**Looking Ahead**
Willmar will compete in a triangular dual hosted by Alexandria at 5 p.m. on Monday, facing off against Sartell and other opponents as the team looks to continue its strong season.
https://www.wctrib.com/sports/prep/wrestling-roundup-headline-34
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