UNIVERSITY PARK — Sunday was the first time an opponent scored double digits against Penn State wrestling this season, but the Nittany Lions still were comfortable as far as the dual meet went in a 35-10 victory over Maryland. It was the first dual meet in Rec Hall in nearly a month as the last two were wrestled in the Bryce Jordan Center.
Although the end result was satisfactory, it was anything but that for the match after 157-pounder Tyler Kasak went into concussion protocol in the second period and was unable to continue his match with the Terrapins’ Ethen Miller.
Kasak appeared to hit his face off the back of Miller’s head off a handfight. The sophomore immediately went down to the mat and was walked to the locker room before it was determined he had to injury default.
It was the second time in three days that Kasak was placed into protocol as he was also in it for a short time against Michigan on Friday night, but he was able to return to the match then.
“We’re not entirely sure yet,” PSU coach Cael Sanderson said of the severity of Kasak’s injury. “We have a lot of time before the conference tournament and we’ll do whatever is needed. He’s a tough dude, and if he’s falling down like that, he’s hurting.”
Injuries are now becoming a small problem for the Nittany Lions after Kasak went down Sunday, and 133-pounder Braeden Davis has been out for the last three matches. Sanderson said the timetable is still unknown for Davis’ return, but it could be soon.
“You prefer no injuries, but that’s a part of life and sports. It happens,” Sanderson said. “We have the best trainers in the world and a lot of good people willing to help. We’ll be full speed when it counts the most.”
Although the Terrapins claimed two of the 10 bouts, they did not get a takedown in the dual meet. Penn State had a 29-0 advantage in takedowns, and 49-0 for the weekend.
“All of our coaches just preach keep getting better and I think that’s what makes it fun because it’s so infinite of how good you can be,” PSU 165-pounder Mitchell Mesenbrink said.
The only other Nittany Lion loss along with Kasak was Davis’ backup at 133 in Kyison Garcia, who fell to 11th-ranked Braxton Brown, 9-1.
Penn State still managed five technical falls on the day from Luke Lilledahl (125), Shayne Van Ness (149), Mesenbrink (165), Carter Starocci (184), and Josh Barr (197).
Sunday was Lilledahl’s seventh tech fall of the season.
“I think I’m definitely more comfortable just going out there and letting it flow and just wrestle in good positions,” Lilledahl said. “I’m just kind of getting into my offense, but I think I’m improving every time I wrestle.”
Beau Bartlett (141) was one point short of a technical fall after beating Maryland’s Dario Lemus, 17-3. Levi Haines (174) and Greg Kerkvliet both picked up decisions in the dual.
Kerkvliet wrestled former teammate Seth Nevills, who transferred to Maryland after the 2022-23 season. Nevills’ older brother, Nick, was an All-American for the Nittany Lions.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“We have a long history with the Nevills family,” Sanderson said. “They’re a great family. Seth spent a lot of time in our program. Just a great kid. Just the way we approach things, we don’t look at somebody being our enemy. We all play the same game every day. He’s a great kid. I wish him all the best.”
Penn State (12-0 overall, 6-0 Big Ten) will hit the road next weekend, traveling to Ohio State Friday night and Illinois on Sunday afternoon.
Penn State 35, Maryland 10
125 – Luke Lilledahl, PSU, tech. fall Tyler Garvin, M, 20-4 3:42. (5-0)
133 – Braxton Brown, M, maj. dec. Kyison Garcia, PSU, 9-1. (5-4)
141 – Beau Bartlett, PSU, maj. dec. Dario Lemus, M, 17-3. (9-4)
149 – Shayne Van Ness, PSU, tech. fall Kal Miller, M, 17-2 7:00. (14-4)
157 – Ethen Miller, M inj. def. Tyler Kasak, PSU, 4:21. (14-10)
165 – Mitchell Mesenbrink, PSU, tech. fall Alex Uryniak, M, 19-3 4:59. (19-10)
174 – Levi Haines, PSU, dec. Branson John, M, 8-1. (22-10)
184 – Carter Starocci, PSU, tech. fall Jaxon Smith, M, 21-3. 6:45. (27-10)
197 – Josh Barr, PSU, tech. fall Chase Mielnik, M, 17-2 4:36. (32-10)
285 – Greg Kerkvliet, PSU, dec. Seth Nevills, M, 8-3. (35-10)
