Mandell improved to 16-1 on the year with a 4-0 week at 149 pounds at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Multi-Divisional National Duals Jan. 4. Mandell tallied three first-period pins, including a 30-second fall in the event opener against Johns Hopkins. Mandell added pins against Heidelberg and No. 16 UW-Whitewater. Against No. 4 Ithaca, Mandell posted a 12-8 come-from-behind decision, aided by a third-period reversal.