Results (PDF)
 
ST. LOUIS – The No. 20-ranked Missouri Baptist University men's wrestling team registered its first victory of the season Wednesday by defeating American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Hannibal-LaGrange, 29-20.
 
Despite an early deficit and also surrendering 12 team points to HLGU at 174 and 197, the Spartans still managed to outlast the Trojans and improved their dual record to 1-1, 1-0 AMC. Since 2011, Missouri Baptist is a perfect 9-0 against Hannibal-LaGrange.
 
Producing the first points for MBU was 133-pounder Derek Zimmerman-Guyer who beat HLGU's Calem McElwee-Wise, 7-2.  At 141, Ben Leach was able to find his hold, sticking his opponent Kyle Allen in the first period.
 
Bryce Bachowski won by forfeit at 149 pounds giving the Spartans a 15-5 advantage heading into the match at 157 pounds. Freshman Joe Stegall battled throughout his bout and trailed by just one heading into the final period, however, HLGU's Gage Maxwell finished strong with a reversal and nearfall to gain back a few points for the Trojans.
 
In a tightly contested match, MBU sophomore Austin Denson found a way to win and kept a little cushion for the Spartans. With a late escape in the third period, Denson forced a 1-minute overtime and found one last jolt of energy for a takedown and 10-8 win over Joey Carter-Nowicki.
 
Freshman Cody Donnell came through in a big way jumping out to a 6-0 lead after the first two periods. He had a huge third period with points via an escape, takedown, nearfall and riding time. Donnell won by a score of 16-1 and achieved points for a tech fall due to extra riding time point awarded at the end of the match.
 
Missouri Baptist entered the heavyweight match with a 23-20 advantage over the Trojans and its top wrestler Cory Flemming waiting for his chance to get in on the winning action. Ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Men's Wrestling Top 20 Individuals Preseason Poll, Flemming made quick work of his opponent Brendon Lunsford pinning him within the first minute.
 
Up next for the Spartans is the Coe College Invite this Saturday in Cedar Rapids Iowa followed by a dual with AMC opponent Lyon College (men & women) as well as Calumet College St. Joseph (Ind.).