Maryland wrestling falls to Northwestern, 34-12

After stringing together a three-dual match win streak for the first time in three years, Maryland wrestling traveled to Evanston, Illinois, to take on Northwestern. The Wildcats handed the Terps their second straight conference dual loss, winning 34-12 overall.

Maryland won three of the individual matches: two by decision and a pin from No. 12 Youssif Hemida in the heavyweight bout. The Terps also got victories from Kyle Cochran (157 lbs.) and Brendan Burnham (165 lbs.). Maryland did go on a two-match win streak, but it was too little, too late.

Northwestern benefitted from three pins, two major decisions and a technical fall. In the dual, the Wildcats went on a three and four-match win streak, which was more than enough to secure the overall win the dual.

Despite the lopsided loss, Hemida continued to impress for Maryland, improving to 8-0 on the season. The pin over No. 19 Conan Jennings was Hemida’s fourth pin of the season, and fourth win over a ranked opponent. The fact that he was able to pin a wrestler that highly ranked is an encouraging sign for individual tournaments coming up later this season.

The Terps, while currently winless in the Big Ten, still have seven more conference duals left in the season, and in their current form, they have a chance to pick up at least one win in those duals.

Maryland continues its lengthy road trip next weekend as it travels to Madison to face No. 20 Wisconsin on Dec. 7th. The Terps finally return home on the 10th to face No. 7 Iowa, their last dual before the Midlands Championships later in the month.