(photos by Jim Lindquist)
Farmington won its first section team match in more than a decade before falling to Lakeville North 45-28 in the Section 2AAA quarterfinals Saturday in Farmington.
The sixth-seeded Tigers routed No. 11 Bloomington Jefferson 66-18 in their opening round match.
"We had some guys wrestle really well against North and get bonus points for us," Tiger coach Chad Olson said. "Jake Gabbard, Matt Rustad and Bret Hoffman all won by fall, and three weeks ago against the same team none of them did. It was great to see them improve.
"Just like the first time we wrestled them, the difference was we lost eight matches and seven of them were by fall. We can't give up six points every time we get beat."
In the opening round win over Jefferson, the Tigers picked up 54 of their 68 points via nine forfeits. The on-mat winners included John Walz (126) and Daoda Louis-Dupay who each scored six-point falls.
In addition to the pins by Gabbard, Rustad and Hoffman against Lakeville, Joe Hoeve scored a major decision at 152 lbs. and Walz and Jake Rudeen (138) earned three-point decisions.
Tiger standout Taylor Venz lost a tough 5-3 overtime decision to state-ranked Collin Degramnont in the 106 lbs. bout.
The loss eliminated Farmington from section team competition. The Section 2AA individual tournament is scheduled for next weekend in Shakopee.
