DeKALB — On a warm and sunny Thursday in DeKalb, four fraternities fought to earn their spot in the championship match on Saturday. 

MATCH 1

The day began with a gritty three-round Delta Chi win over Phi Sigma Kappa.

After fending off Phi Sig for a majority of the first rope, Delta Chi was able to open the match with a win by advantage. 

Similar to the first rope, Delta Chi prevailed to another win by advantage before heading into the final rope. 

Fighting past the 20-minute mark in the final rope, Phi Sigma Kappa put up a fight, but ultimately fell to Delta Chi to punch a ticket to the championship match. 

Matthew Knigge, a senior finance major and Delta Chi tugger, explained the mentality and preparation of the team.

“We went out there with that dog mentality,” Knigge said. “You have to hit the gym. You have to be strong and have the right technique.It’s really about who comes locked in on gameday.” 

MATCH 2

In the second match of the night, reigning champion Phi Kappa Psi took on Sigma Nu, who previously won four consecutive Tugs tournaments. 

After chirpy introductions from the coaches of both sides, Sigma Nu took the first rope by advantage after a back-and-forth opening. 

Competing with an aggressive offense, Phi Psi held an advantage for the majority of the second rope.

Coming down to the wire, Sigma Nu used all their force to shift momentum back in their favor. Ultimately, Sigma Nu found themselves up two advantages at the end of the second rope. 

In a dominant third round, Sigma Nu managed to defeat Phi Kappa Si in just 11 minutes of play. 

Anthony Roman, mechanical and electrical engineering major credited Sigma Nu’s win to the dedication of the team.

“We just got heart man,” Roman said. “We started off wanting to make a statement.” 

UP NEXT 

Sigma Nu will return to the championship match against Delta Chi at 4: 30 p.m. Saturday. 

“It’s dog and dog mentality,” Knigge said. “Sigma Nu is a very good team, so expect a battle from both teams”