ST. PAUL — United South Central wrestlers Blake Legred and Bryce Sonnek started their state tournament bids Friday morning at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Sonnek, a sophomore and ranked No. 10 at 106 pounds, went up against another ranked opponent, No. 7 Cole Holien from Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, in his opening-round match. Sonnek was overmatched by the 21-8 freshman and lost in a 14-0 major decision.

Legred, a senior, lost last year’s championship bout after dominating his way to the finals. He started out this year’s tournament no differently, cruising to a 35-second pinfall over his 138 pound first-round opponent. The No. 5-ranked Legred moves into the quarterfinals, where he meets No. 2 Shawn Rue of Paynesville Area.

Both wrestlers will compete again Friday evening, Sonnek in the consolation bracket and Legred in the championship quarterfinals.

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