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| Joe Hoeve scored a pin in the 195-pound match (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
Although coach Chad Olson's grapplers didn't come home with the upset win, the visitors gave the perennial state power all it could handle.
"Each team won seven matches, but they earned more bonus points," Olson said. "It is a great reminder for us heading into next weekend at team sections."
Anoka jumped to a quick 7-0 lead after two matches before the Tigers reeled off four straight of their own to forge a 17-7 advantage.
Included in the run were a pin by Jamin LeDuc (120), major decisions by Taylor Venz (126) and Matt Rustad (132) and a three-point decision by Brayden Chapman.
The lead was short-lived, however, as the Tornados turned the tables again by taking the next four matches to go back on top 27-17.
John Walz won a decision at 182 pounds and Joe Hoeve followed with a win in the 195-pound bout to cut the deficit to a point at 27-26 before a pin in the 220-pound match sealed the victory for Anoka.
Godfrey Mpetey closed out the night on a positive note for the Tigers with a win in the 285-pound match.
The Tigers will now wait for the Section 1AAA tournament seeding and their opponent in next Thursday's opening round.
