RESULTS
 
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.---The Chattanooga Mocs wrestling program got the 2022-23 season started at the Battle in River City. The Mocs squared off with No. 12 Wisconsin, Buffalo and Little Rock on a busy Saturday at Swisher Gym on the Jacksonville University campus.
 
Rocky Jordan led the way with two wins in his two starts. Brayden Palmer matched him with two wins in his three matches on the day recording a team-high eight points. His 3-match scores added up to 19-2, just ahead of Jordan's 16-5 albeit in one fewer opportunity.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
It started with a 35-3 loss to No. 12 Wisconsin. Jordan got the win with a 4-0 decision over Josh Otto. The Badgers captured close decisions at 125 (4-0), 133 (2-0), 157 (6-2) and 184 (5-3). The battle at 184 was especially interesting with true freshman Sergio Desiante nearly getting a win in his collegiate debut. 30th-ranked Logan Ashton lost to No. 6 Eric Barnett at 125, while No.23 Brayden Palmer was edged by 12th-ranked Taylor LaMont at 133.
 
Next up was Buffalo. Ashton and the Bulls Tristan Daugherty were knotted at 1-1 after seven minutes. Daugherty claimed the sudden victory with a takedown in the first extra period. Palmer blanked Mason Bush 4-0 at 133 before narrow decisions in the next three matches stretching the deficit to 9-3. Lincoln Heck (157) and Jordan (174) earned decisions to get it withing 12-9 with three matches to go, but the Bulls swept those for the 21-9 win.
 
It was a tough finale for the group losing 28-5 to Little Rock. Brayden Palmer had a dominating 17-0 tech fall at 133 for the only team scoring. Tough finishes at 141 and 149 with late takedown winners for the Trojans sent the squad in a direction they couldn't overcome.
 
QUOTABLE
"Although these days are never fun, we know exactly what we need to do to get better. We have two weeks for most of the guys who wrestled this weekend to clean up some mistakes. We'll also have a few guys back in the mix from injuries." – Coach Kyle Ruschell
 
"We lost a lot of little positions and found ourselves unable to finish our shots. That led to a lot of close losses." – Ruschell
 
"It comes down to getting better and forcing your will on your opponent."
 
UP NEXT
The Mocs return to the mat in tournament action on Sunday, Nov. 13, at The Citadel Open. The next dual effort is the following Sunday at Purdue matching up with Purdue, Northern Illinois and Cleveland State.
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Wrestling season tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com. Click the link above or call (423) 266-MOCS (6627). Prices start at just $75 for one of the best home slates in years. There are three levels available with mat-side seats already sold out.

• Padded Reserved (Iowa/Southern Scuffle)/Maclellan Gym GA: $110
• 100 Level Reserved (Iowa/Southern Scuffle)/Maclellan Gym GA: $95
• 200 Level Reserved (Iowa/Southern Scuffle)/Maclellan Gym GA: $75

 
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