OWENSBORO, KY. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team matched-up against Lincoln College and Midway on Saturday afternoon at Jones Gymnasium. The Panthers picked-up a 24-21 win over Lincoln, but fell to Midway later in the day.
The Panthers set a quick pace in their first three matches.
Adam Bender,
Nick Ornelas, and
Caleb Craig each pinned their opponents. Bender's match lasted just a 1:13 while Craig and Ornelas recorded pins in the second period.
After a loss at 141, the Panthers built a 24-3 lead after
DeAunte Epps earned his first win of his career with a pin in the third period at 157 pounds. The Lynx made things interesting by narrowing their deficit to 24-15 with two matches remaining.
Ethan Rogers lost at 197 in overtime to Desirgeon Keys while
Brennan McElroy lost at heavyweight 3-0. The Lynx needed a pin in either their final two matches to win the dual.
Wesleyan again got production out of the lower weight classes to start the match against Midway. At 125 pounds, Bender recorded an early takedown with a nearfall to build a comfortable lead. Bender earned a major decision after a 11-2 win.
The 133-pound match proved to be one of the most thrilling of the day.
Andrew Parker faced a 6-1 deficit after the first period and 6-3 after the second. With riding time against him, Parker extended a flurry of offense in the final period. Among the nine points in the frame, Parker recorded two take downs and a two-point nearfall to earn an 11-9 decision at the buzzer.
Craig won at 141 pounds 5-4. After being tied 3-3 after two periods, Craig recorded a takedown in the final period and continued to fight off Anthony Caruso in the final 22 seconds to earn the decision.
Gabriel Hunt won 6-4 at 149 pounds as the Panthers built a 13-0 lead.
It was all Eagles thereafter as they recorded a technical fall and three pins. Along with two forfeits, Midway won 35-13.
In the extra matches outside of the team competition,
Thomas Karlo earned a 6-5 win at 157 pounds while Parker won by technical fall 23-8. Epps and Rogers lost their additional matches on the afternoon.
The Panthers will travel to Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday to match-up against Quachita Baptist.
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