PEMBROKE, N.C. – While in the midst of the program's second year, the Queens University of Charlotte men's wrestling team traveled to Pembroke, N.C. on Saturday to face off against top-ten opponent, and regional foe, No. 10 UNC Pembroke. On a day that celebrated its program's 55th anniversary, the Braves got the best of the young Royals team, outscoring them 45-3 at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
The Royals are still looking for their first win and move to 0-14 on the season, while UNC Pembroke improves to 5-5.
Facing a formidable opponent and one of the top teams in all of Division II,
Jude Lloyd led the Royals and picked up their three points with a victory over UNCP's William Deese in the 149-pound weight class. Lloyd got the best of Deese and scored the win via a 13-8 decision. This is Lloyd's third win of the season wrestling at 149 pounds.
Squaring off against the No. 4 wrestler in the country in the 125-pound weight class,
Melvin Rubio held his own against the Braves' Nick Daggett to begin Saturday's meet. Daggett went on to beat Rubio via a 6-2 decision. Rubio, ranked No. 6 overall at 125 pounds in the regional rankings, has come on strong in the second half of the season and has won five of his last eight matches.
The Royals were forced to forfeit four weight classes on Saturday, meaning UNCP received an automatic 24 points out of its eventual 45 total points.
Queens'
Micah Marcin wrestled at 157 pounds,
Austin Watkins at 174,
Jacob Balmas at 184 and
Benjamin Austin at 285.
The Royals will return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Levine Center for a South Atlantic Conference Carolinas matchup versus Belmont Abbey. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
