ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's and women's wrestling teams battled against the Carthage Firebirds on Thursday, November 16, picking up a 29-20 win on the women's side and 22-21 victory on the men's.

On the women's side, Augie secured six triumphs after falling down 15-0 due to two forfeits and victory at 116 by Carthage. Sandie Pfiel earned the first win for the Vikings, taking down her opponent by pin at 123 for five team points. Monica Griffin pulled the Vikings within nine with a tech fall win at 130 before Carthage earned five back with a triumph at 136. Augustana went on to win the final four matches, including two victories by pin at 143 and 155 from Lanie Cecala and Jaiden Moody. The Vikings were awarded two wins by forfeit at the final two classes to complete the victory. 

All three first-year wrestlers for the women earned wins for Augustana. Cecala bounced back from a 4-0 deficit in her match to eventually help the team claim the lead.

With the win, Augustana improves to 1-0 on the season.

On the men's side, the Vikings started with a win from Jack Reina in the 125 division, followed by a victory by tech fall in 133 from Samuel Deyro. Michael Macias flipped momentum back for Augustana following a Carthage win, defeating his opponent by tech fall to move to 6-1 on the season. Braiden Young and Jacob Badger countered two additional victories from the Firebirds with wins at 184 and 197 to help seal the victory. Young started the stretch with a big win over a senior opponent, followed by Badger's pin to put the dual out of reach. 

The Vikings move their record to 2-1 with the win.

The Augustana Vikings men's and women's wrestling teams will travel north on Saturday, November 18 to attend the UWEC 8-man and 8-woman battles hosted by UW-Eau Claire. Start time is slated for 10 a.m.