ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Missouri Baptist men's wrestling treated a large crowd to a 34-12 victory on Wednesday evening in the first home dual of the season.
Missouri Baptist (1-1 Duals) entered the evening coming off a tough loss to McKendree University over the weekend, but found its footing early. MBU's Demarcus Gurlly began the night in the 125lb match with a 20-9 win by major decision over Hannibal's Bryer Ginther to give the Spartans a 4-0 lead.
MBU quickly expanded on its lead thanks to a huge performance by Gabe Roman in the 133lb class. The senior from New Jersey needed just two minutes to pin Hannibal's Harry Jacobsen, opening up a 10-point Spartan lead.
After a 3-1 win by decision from Chris Padilla in the 141lb class, Esmond Ford displayed a powerful performance. The St. Louis native posted another win for Missouri Baptist by fall to give his team a 19-0 lead in 2:59.
Hannibal-LaGrange got on the board in the 157lb clash between MBU's Alejandro Wajner and James Townsend. The Trojan's Townsend recorded a 7-1 win by decision to give his team their first three points on the night.
After a Spartan win from Tyler Floyd by forfeit, Hannibal-LaGrange received a win from Nathan Downs over A.J. Carter-Johnson to make it a 25-6 MBU lead.
A Spartan forfeit in the 197lb class gave Hannibal six more points, but that would end the scoring on the night for the Trojans. Missouri Baptist posted wins by Weston Keleher by fall and Luis Contreras by decision to finish the dual strong.
Missouri Baptist will head out on the road on Saturday, Nov. 17 to compete in the Coe College Open for its next competition.
125 - Demarcus Gurlly (MBU) DEF. Bryar Ginther (HLG), 20-9, Major Dec. 4-0
133 - Gabriel Roman (MBU) DEF. Harry Jacobsen (HLG) Fall 2:00 10-0
141 - Chris Padilla (MBU) DEF. Matt Mattingly (HLG) 3-1 Dec. 13-0
149 - Esmond Ford (MBU) DEF. Tyler Sonnaben (HLG) Fall 2:59 19-0
157 - James Townsend (HLG) DEF. Alejandro Wajner (MBU) 7-1 Dec. 19-3
165 - Tyler Floyd (MBU) by forfeit 25-3
174 - Nathan Downs (HLG) DEF. Andrew Carter-Johnson (MBU) 10-6 Dec. 25-6
184 - Weston Keleher (MBU) DEF. Brady Ruby (HLG) Fall6:35 31-6
197 - Dan Capp (HLG) by forfeit 31-12
HWT - Luis Contreras (MBU) DEF. Mike Wright (HLG) 6-3 Dec. 34-12
