ST.LOUIS, Mo.- The Missouri Baptist University men's wrestling squad fell in their home conference dual against the No. 10 Missouri Valley College Vikings on Thursday night, 36-15. Three Spartans picked up victories on the evening, highlighted by Jake Sinn's come-from-behind pin over the No. 15-ranked wrestler after a six-point defeat.
The night leaned in favor of MVC, as the Spartans had a wrestler at 125 pounds and gave the Vikings six team points. The Vikings also picked up an additional six points at 133 with a first-period fall.
No. 16 Daryl Mills was dominant in his bout at 141, and found a bonus-point victory in his 11-0 shutout win over Blaine Ortiz.
At 149, Jake Sinn wrestled No. 15 Kristofer Arrey in a back-and-forth match. Sinn gave up the first takedown and back points to end the first period. As he trailed in the second, Sinn chose neutral since his opponent was tough in the top position, and wanted to give himself the best chance to score. As they battled through positions, Sinn used his speed to find the massive head-and-through. Despite his opponent's best efforts, a few adjustments sealed the top-15 win for the senior from Ballwin, Mo.
Brandon Bollinger repped the navy and white for MBU at 157 and was pitted against a very tough, ranked opponent, No.16 Francis Morrisey, who was also an All-American at 174 for the Vikings last season. Morrisey gained control early and found a takedown in the first ten seconds of the bout. Morrisey was tough in the top position and found a near-fall turn, but Bollinger battled off his back for the better half of a minute to end the first period down 7-0. Morrissey chose the bottom, and Bollinger went to work on the top. Bollinger kept a great position and finished the period still in control, and almost wiped all of Morrisey's riding time off the board. Morrissey's early attack started to fatigue himself, and Bollinger's pick to go neutral to start the third almost created the perfect storm for the Spartan. Bollinger's offense was significant, and he found the takedown. Unfortunately, Morrissey did not give up any more points and picked up the win at 157.
The Vikings were able to pick two wins and nine team points from the. matches at 165 and 174.
Blake Johnson claimed the final victory for MBU as he went to work quickly. His opponent got in on a shot and raised Johnson's leg, but Johnson scrambled and took the takedown. Johnson took little time settling in on top and found three quick turns to finish the period in the first period.
MVC closed out the night with back-to-back falls and won 36-15 in the team score.
The Spartans look ahead to next weekend, when they head back to Marshall, Mo., to compete in the Missouri Valley Open, hosted by Missouri Valley College, on Saturday, Feb. 7. Wrestling starts at 9 a.m.
