Blue Devils Finish Day 2 of the Cliff Keen Invitational

LAS VEGAS -The duo of Bret Klopp and Diego Bencomo wrapped up competition at the 29th Annual Cliff Keen Wrestling Invitational today at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Klopp and Bencomo both advanced to the second day of competition in the consolation bracket. Duke finished 30th of 36 teams with eight points overall.

After posting his 16th and 17th wins of the season on the first day of wrestling, redshirt freshman Klopp opened the second day against 13th-ranked Luke Manuel of Purdue. Klopp suffered just his fourth setback of the season in a 15-2 major decision to complete his run in the 174-pound bracket.

Competing at 184 pounds, Bencomo picked up another win to start the second day of bouts. The redshirt sophomore outlasted Ken Moenkedick of North Dakota state in a 10-6 decision. He faced his toughest match of the year in the next round, going up against 12th-ranked Luke Rebertus of Navy. Bencomo battled back and forth, losing a narrow 5-3 decision.

The Blue Devils will take some time off from competition as final exams near. Duke will be back in action at the Southern Scuffle on Dec. 29-30 in Greensboro, N.C. The Blue Devils make their home debut on Jan. 11 against The Citadel at 6 p.m., in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

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