LEBANON, Ill. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team faced-off with one of the nation's best in the first dual of the season. The Panthers fell to No. 11 McKendree 40-4. Dalen Kimble picked-up the lone win for Wesleyan at 149 pounds. 
 
The Bearcats (1-0) opened the match with a major decision at 141 pounds. Kimble then stepped on to the mat and quickly forced his opponent Christian Pfeiffer-Laguerre onto his back. Kimble grabbed a quick 6-0 lead in the opening period and coasted to a major 16-4 decision. Throughout the match Kimble caught Pfeiffer-Laguerre on his back three times, but could not squeeze his shoulders to the mat. 
 
In the final match of the evening Bryson Rowley avoided a near pin in the opening period, but faced a 6-1 deficit heading into the third period. Rowley nearly completed the comeback, catching Jason Strope on his back for the final 40 seconds of the match. Strope avoided being stuck on his shoulders and had enough riding time to escape with a 7-5 win. 
 
The Panthers will travel to Decatur, Illinois on Saturday for the Millikin Open. Competition at eh Griswold Center will begin at 9:30 AM.
 
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