ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist men's wrestling took two matches and dropped eight to McKendree University on Friday night in a 35-6 loss on the road.    

Missouri Baptist began the match on the right foot, but was unable to build on the early success. At 149lbs, Espen Conley defeated Kyle Williams by decision, 6-3, to take an early 3-0 lead. The Spartans, however, dropped the following five bouts and set the stage for a disappointing opening night.

With the score 7-3 McKendree, a Bearcat win by forfeit in the 174lb weight class extended the lead by six to 13-3. It was in the next bout that Weston Keleher was pinned by McKendree's John Vogt to give the home team a commanding 19-3 advantage.

The Spartans picked-up their second and final win of the night in the heavyweight class. Julius Anglikas, the senior from South Hampton, N.Y., defeated Ross Janney in overtime, 4-2.

Missouri Baptist will have some time to shake-off the loss as the team will host Missouri Valley College in its next dual. The first bout is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start time in the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.