Sun Devil Wrestling Drops Road Dual to No. 13 Northern Iowa, 27-11
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - It was a tough night on the road for Arizona State Wrestling, as the Sun Devils came up short against No. 13 Northern Iowa, falling 27-11 at the McLeod Center. Despite the final score, there were some bright spots for ASU, particularly from a trio of wrestlers who continue to make their mark this season.
Redshirt sophomore Pierson Manville, ranked No. 26 at 141 pounds, got the Sun Devils on the board with a dominant performance. Manville secured his second major decision of the season, showing off the kind of aggressive, point-piling style that can swing momentum in a dual - even if the team result doesn’t go your way. He’s quietly becoming a reliable source of bonus points, and that’s no small thing in dual meets.
Kaleb Larkin, the redshirt sophomore ranked No. 2 nationally at 157 pounds, stayed perfect since moving up in weight. Now 5-0 at 157 after starting the year at 149, Larkin continues to look comfortable and confident in his new class. His win Thursday night was another example of his ability to adapt and dominate - a key trait for anyone with postseason aspirations.
Heavyweight David Szuba, a graduate student and ranked No. 19, closed out the night for ASU with another impressive showing. His major decision gave him his fifth of the season and marked his 11th bonus-point win overall - both team highs. Szuba’s been a steady force at the back end of the lineup, consistently delivering high-value wins and setting the tone with his physical, high-pressure style.
While the team result didn’t tilt in ASU’s favor, the individual performances from Manville, Larkin, and Szuba offered a glimpse of the grit and talent this squad brings to the mat. With one more stop on this road trip - a showdown at Cornell on Saturday, Jan. 31 - the Sun Devils will look to regroup, reset, and close out the trip with a strong finish.
Plenty of season left, and these are the kinds of matchups that sharpen a team for March.