OWENSBORO, KY. – It went down to the last match for Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team as they returned from the holiday break refreshed for a busy week. The Panthers started the weekend of competition with a back-and-forth 23-20 loss to Lander University on Thursday.
The Panthers (2-2) forfeited 184 and 197 weight classes to fall behind 12-0, but quickly erased the Bearcats advantage.
Kairus Washington earned a tough decision at heavyweight while
Adam Bender's 125-pound match remained scoreless heading into the final period. Bender chose top position and remained there for the entire period. He turned Austin Ross to his back four different times before finishing with a 15-0 technical fall.
After
Austin Cook earned a forfeit at 133-pounds, the Panthers were on top 14-12. The Bearcats retook the lead at 141-pounds with a major decision, but Wesleyan pulled back in front at 149-pounds.
Andy Santana and Tyler Dahlgren each looked for opening throughout their bout, but Santana earned the dramatic win. Trailing 3-2 in the final seconds, Santana took down Dahlgren with a second to spare, earning the decision and giving the Panthers a 17-16 lead.
Lander won 157 and 165-pound matches to move ahead 23-17. Needing a pin in the final match,
Angelo Talabert won 5-3 as the Panthers came-up three points shy.
The Panthers will travel to Louisville on Friday for the NUWAY Open. Competition will be contested at the Kentucky Expo Center and continue throughout the entire day.
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