This match was exciting for me. This was the first time I was wrestling a ranked opponent all year. I knew going into the match that he was going to be very strong, but not as technical as I am. At the start of the match I felt just how strong he was. It was a lot. I knew it would be hard to deal with if I wasn’t able to get to my positions. I again tried forcing a 2 on 1, but he circled and pushed my head away. I knew I needed to get to a better angle right away, but was unable to do that. Eventually I got out of position and he shot a high crotch. I wasn’t ready for it and got blown away. I was able to get out pretty quickly, but he head levered into my elbow very hard. My elbow is still hurting from this. I knew this was illegal, and so did my coaches, but the ref didn’t stop the match. From my feet I got taken down again to end the period down three.
At the start of the second he chose down. I wasn’t able to get much of a ride. I need to be stronger when I get to a wrist and force action. I have no doubt that if I had broken him down I would’ve been able to get a good ride. We were back on our feet and I could feel if I got into scramble positions I would be much better, but he wouldn’t go there.
In the third period I chose bottom. I got out pretty quickly, but I was unable to get to any offense. It was frustrating because I knew I had attacks that I couldn’t do because of my shoulder. I was down by three, and so I went for a big throw as the match was ending and gave up another takedown. I lost 7-2.
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