PARK CITY, Kan. –  In the last seconds of the 133-semifinal match, University of Montevallo Wrestling's Gabe Hixenbaugh recorded a takedown at the buzzer to punch his ticket to the NCAA Division II National Championship Finals for the first time in program history.
 
Late in the third period of the semifinal match against No. 5 Reece Barnhardt from UMary, Hixenbaugh trailed 7-5. With four seconds to go, Hixenbaugh recorded an escape and then registered a three-point takedown as time expired to win, 9-7.
 
The first period was scoreless between the pair of semifinalists. To open the second period, Hixenbaugh registered an escape, to lead 1-0. Shortly after, Barnhardt recorded the first three-point takedown of the year against Hixenbaugh, to jump ahead, 3-1.
 
In the final minute of the second period, the All-American battled back with an escape and his first takedown of the match to lead 5-3 after two.
 
Barnhardt earned an escape point and a second takedown in the first minute of the final period to lead Hixenbaugh 7-5 with 1:10 to go.
 
 
Hixenbaugh continued battling over the final minute and with four seconds to go he escaped and immediately took down Barnhardt with no time remaining to win.
 
Before being declared the semifinal winner, the buzzer-beating takedown was reviewed and confirmed – solidifying the victory.
 
With the electrifying semifinal win, Hixenbaugh will return to Hartman Arena in the final session for the National Championship match at 7 p.m.
 
The 133-pounder is now 30-0 on the year with 13 ranked wins.
 

CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

WHERE: Park City, Kansas | Hartman Arena
WHAT: NCAA Division II National Championships Quarterfinals
BRACKET: 133-Championship Bracket

 
MATCH INFORMATION: Semifinal

WHO: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh (30-0), Montevallo vs. No. 5 Reece Barnhardt, UMary (24-5)
RESULTS: Hixenbaugh 9 | Barnhardt 7    
 
 
UP NEXT
 

MATCH INFORMATION: Championship

WHO: No. 1 Gabe Hixenbaugh (30-0), Montevallo vs. Gavin Quiocho (38-2)
WHERE: Park City, Kansas | Hartman Arena
WHEN: Mar. 16, 7 p.m.
WATCH: FloSports.com
LIVE STATS: Track Wrestling