UNK Beats Central Missouri
Kearney, Neb. – The third-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team used three forfeits and two bonus point wins to beat Central Missouri, 35-9, Saturday at the Health & Sports Center. This was the 2022-23 home finale for the Lopers (11-6, 3-0). UNK is at No. 1 Central Oklahoma on Super Bowl Sunday with NCAA Regionals set for Feb. 25 in Chadron. The NCAA Championships are then March 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Ia. The improving Mules (0-5, 0-2) were open at 125, 133 and 285 pounds and picked up three decisions. UNK saw Bellevue redshirt freshman Daniel DeRosier record his 20th win thanks to a fall in just 1:19 with national-ranked Austin Eldredge (McPherson, Kan.) having four, four-point near falls to have his 12th tech fall of the year, 19-3; 3:52, at 174 pounds. "He's the best in the country on top. He showcases that even in a match where he might give up a reversal," said UNK head coach Dalton Jensen. "He gets right back on top and gets back to what he's good at." UNK also saw Iowa redshirt freshman Briar Reisz (157 lbs.) and Jackson Kinsella (197 lbs.) leave the mat happy. Reisz had a first period takedown and third period reversal to win 4-2 with Kinsella using an early takedown and riding time to win by the same score. "Another pretty dominating performance and another step forward in getting ready for the postseason," said Jensen. "We're got some weights that are unsettled. We have three or four weights where guys have been injured all year that are trying to comeback by the postseason. So, between now and UCO even regionals, we'll still be solidifying our lineup." The Lopers have dropped three straight at longtime rival UCO but are 7-6 in the series over the last 10 years. The Bronchos won in Kearney last winter by a 18-17 score. "We have a big test next weekend at Central Oklahoma. Top to bottom, they have an All-American-caliber guy at every weight class," said Jensen. "That'll be a true test for our guys heading into the postseason."
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