CONCORD — The Lynnfield/North Reading wrestling team opened its dual-meet season on a high note, easily defeating Concord-Carlisle on the road, 46-27.
The teams split the first two matches and were tied, 6-6. The Black and Gold (1-0) reeled off the next six matches to open up a 29-6 lead. Concord-Carlisle battled back and cut the deficit to 37-24, but that was a close as the Patriots came in this one. LNR’s Zack Morse clinched the match with a first-period pin at 215 pounds in 1:19.
LNR head coach Craig Stone noted that Concord-Carlisle finished 10th in last year’s Division 1 state tournament.
“It’s always nice to open the dual-meet season with a win, especially over one of the top teams in Division 1. We have a talented, well-balanced dual-meet team this year and we can cover all the weights. Those ingredients should make for a very exciting season.”
LNR winners included Zach Inafuku at 106 pounds (1:47 pin), Nathan Barstow at 120 (1:19 pin), Jakob Hulett at 126 (1:22 pin), Jason Kouyoumdjian at 132 (19-3 technical fall), Isaac Medford at 138 (3:57 pin), Jack Cuddy at 175 (16-10 decision), Dylan Matthews at 285 (13-5 major decision), and Abdel Abdalla at 150, a first-year senior who won his first dual-meet match (28-second pin).
The Black and Gold are back on the mat Saturday at the Pentucket Holiday Tournament bright and early at 9 a.m. LNR opens the meet against Campbell High School.
