Tigers battle through first round at state

USC puts two into quarterfinals

Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva top-ranked senior David Lindell waited for the right moment to capitalize against sixth-ranked Joe Holdvogt Thursday in his first round match at 215 to find a victory.

Lindell (35-2) caught Holdvogt (34-4) in the second period and put him on his back for a fall in 3 minutes, 46 seconds to secure his first victory at the state tournament and advance to the quarterfinals.

Teammate David Lassahn (24-12) drew fourth-ranked Ted Berckes (36-1) from Canby in the first round and wrestled well in an 8-1 loss at 112 pounds.

Berckes defended well against Lassahn’s leg shots and used his skill and experience to get past Lassahn. Berckes placed fourth last season at the state tournament.

Lassahn may get a wrestleback match Thursday, but will need Berckes to beat Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial’s seventh-ranked Tanner Trembly in the quarterfinals.