OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.-- Bryce Hammond (R-So., Bakersfield, Calif., Bakersfield HS) represented Bakersfield at the NCAA Division I championships on Thursday. Hammond lost his opening round match, but beagn the wrestlebacks portion of the tournament with a win.

The redshirt sophomore competed in the opening round as an unranked competitor in the 174-pound weightclass. Hammond was matched up against No. 4 ranked Michael Evans of the University of Iowa who defeated Hammond by an 8-2 decision. Evans went on to compete in the next round, advancing with another win and is one of eight finalist with a shot at the national title.

Hammond's loss sent him to the consolation bracket on Thursday night with a chance to place as high as third in the Championships. The Bakersfield native opened the wrestlebacks with a dominant 9-2 decision against Hayden Zillmer of North Dakota State.

The 'Runner wrestler will take the rest of the night off before returning to the mat on Friday morning as he continues to fight through the consolation bracket for third place. First up on Friday for Hammond is Conor Brennan, a redshirt sophomore from Rider University. 

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