Jan. 24, 2003

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern opened the Big Ten season with a 33-7 loss Friday against No. 17 Michigan State at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The loss dropped NU to 5-5 (0-1 Big Ten) in 2003, while MSU improved to 3-4 (1-0).

John Giacche (Flemington, N.J./Blair Academy) earned the 'Cats' first points of the match with a 13-5 win against the Spartans' Eric Keith.

Michigan State won the next two matches to jump ahead 16-4. Senior Jason Erwinski (Tinley Park, Ill./Mt. Carmel) made good on his switch from 174 pounds to 165 pounds, picking up a 7-3 decision over MSU's Arsen Aleksanyan.

Northwestern returns to action Sunday against Wisconsin. The start time is set for 3 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Michigan State 33, Northwestern 7

125-Nick Simmons (MSU) def. John Velez (NU), 10-4, MSU 3-0
133-Shane Martin (MSU) def. Jon Ott (NU), 6-0, MSU 6-0
141-John Giacche (NU) def. Eric Keith (MSU), MD 13-5, MSU 6-4
149-Karl Nadalsky (MSU) def. Josh Ballard (NU), MD 15-4, MSU 10-4
157-Gray Maynard (MSU) def. Mike Kimberlin (NU), F 1:37, MSU 16-4
165-Jason Erwinski (NU) def. Arsen Aleksanyan (MSU), 7-3, MSU 16-7
174-Rashad Evans (MSU) def. Nolan Walther (NU), F 3:19, MSU 22-7
184-Jeff Clemens (MSU) def. Brendan Curran (NU), MD 16-8, MSU 26-7
197-Nik Fekete (MSU) def. Matt Delguyd (NU), MD 17-8, MSU 30-7
Hwt-John Wechter (MSU) def. Mike Little (NU), 3-1, MSU 33-7