Though the team’s performance didn’t pan out as it would have liked, minor correctable issues and an injury were the main problems on the mats.
Considering that the Blue Devils still only have two of their wrestlers ranked within their weight brackets, competing against a team with that magnitude of power and getting wins on their side shows they have what it takes to remain competitive against top-ranked teams.
The Blue Devils hit the mats Sunday in Boone, N.C., where they competed at the Appalachian State-hosted Mountaineer Invitational.
Duke placed third out of six teams at the match and finished the day with 146 points, trailing behind Air Force (221) and No. 5 NC State (256.5).
After another upsetting campaign last year, the Blue Devils will return to the mats Saturday hungrier than ever for some wins.
The three guarantees in life: death, taxes and a Finesilver brother heading to the NCAA Championships for Duke wrestling.
With multiple captains returning from redshirt seasons, the Blue Devils have the leadership necessary for a bounce-back campaign.
The loss ensures a winless record on the season for the Blue Devils, though the team picked up three individual wins.
Coming in at No. 10: Mitch Finesilver caps off his storied Duke wrestling career with an accolade-filled All-American senior campaign, placing fourth at the NCAA championships and earning an ACC championship.
The 149-pound title bout was more of the same for the Blue Devil, as he refused to allow any offensive points in a dominant victory.
After starting the season 2-0, the Blue Devils have dropped eight consecutive duals.
Despite Duke's standout wrestlers turning heads, the Blue Devils' shorthanded roster could not snap a now four-meet skid.
Duke posted a strong first day of competition, with six wrestlers advancing to day two.
Mitch and Matt Finesilver performed well at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.
Duke's Finesilver brothers continue to impress through the Blue Devils' fall slate.
The Blue Devils looked strong in their season opener.
Kasper delivered the best finish of his impressive career as a Blue Devil to lift the team to unprecedented heights.
Redshirt senior Jacob Kasper rose into the spotlight once again Saturday, sending Duke to the NCAA championships in style.
The Blue Devils trailed 13-3 after four bouts, but won five of the last six matches to storm back.
The Blue Devils wound up winless against the Tar Heels for the 13th time in their last 14 tries.
