The Lindenwood wrestling team fell to the No. 6 McKendree Bearcats by a final score of 23-11 on Wednesday night. In a close contest, seven of the matches resulted from decisions.
Carlos Jacquez jumpstarted an early 4-0 lead for the Lions when he registered a 15-2 major decision in the 125-pound matchup. It was the freshman's team-leading 18th win of the season and second of the major decision variety.
The Bearcats responded with a decision and a technical fall at 133 and 141 pounds respectively to take the lead 8-4 before Ronnie Gentile stepped up to the mat. He executed a crucial takedown to clinch an 9-5 decision win for the Lions, cutting the Bearcats' lead to one. Gentile's victory was his 13th of the year.
Tim Bogar came in next at 157 pounds to face off against No. 3-ranked Ryan Strope, and did not back down. The match remained scoreless through the first two rounds and 15 seconds into the final round before Strope collected two points. Even though he would lose 3-0, Bogar nearly picked up the upset-victory.
The next two matchups followed suit with the 157-pound contest as
Kyle Jolas and
Batchka Zulkhuu barely lost in two-point decisions at 165 and 174 pounds respectively. However,
David Hamil sparked some hope for the Lions when he controlled his opponent to an 11-4 lead when the match finished. Thanks to rolling time, Hamil gained three more points to collect a 14-4 major decision, his fourth of the year, to cut the Bearcats' lead to 17-11.
Dillon Archer remained dead even with his opponent at 197 pounds until the third round. However, Archer let off two points that made the difference for the Bearcats, making it a 3-2 decision.
Jake Borgmeyer also had a close matchup with the No. 2-ranked wrestler in Division II, Coltyn Pease. Pease needed an escape and rolling time to win 4-0 to cap off the 23-11 win for the Bearcats.
After the loss, the Lions fall to 6-4 on the season as they will return to action on Saturday at 7 pm from Hyland Arena when they host MIAA-rival Newman.
