LAS VEGAS – University of Maryland redshirt freshman Alfred Bannister qualified for the UWW Junior World Team Trials in freestyle with a fourth-place finish in the 66kg division at the UWW Junior Nationals at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa Saturday.

The LaPlata, Md., native advanced to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Aaron Pico. Bannister won his first three matches by a combined score of 25-13.

In his first contest, Bannister notched an 8-4 decision win over Tommy Pawelski of the Stanford Wrestling Club. He then defeated the Wolfpack Wrestling Club's Jake DeAngelo, 4-2, before taking out Dante Rodriguez of Iowa State, 13-7, to make the semis.

After falling to Pico, Bannister won his consolation semifinal bout over Andrew Crone of the Badger Wrestling Club, 4-3. Griffin Parriott defeated Bannister in the third-place match.

Fellow redshirt freshman Adam Whitesell notched a fourth-place finish in the Greco-Roman portion of the UWW Junior Nationals. Whitesell lost his first match, but won consecutive consolation bouts before losing in the third-place match.

The Junior World Team Trials will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madions, Wis., from June 12-14.

-Terps-