(LEBANON, Ill., Jan. 25)- The McKendree University wrestling team dropped a 25-17 decision to University of Central Missouri in a dual match on Friday night.

The Bearcats fall to 3-6 overall and will return to the mat on Friday, February 1 at 7 p.m. EST for a dual at University of Indianapolis.

After forfeiting a match at 125 pounds, McKendree cut the deficit to 6-4 following a 9-1 major decision win at 133 pounds by Brenden Murphy (Palos Park, Ill./Marian Catholic) over Hunter Neighbors.

The Bearcats wouldn't get back on the scoreboard until junior Isaiah Gonzalez (Montgomery, Ill./Montini Catholic) pinned Jake Hawks in 3:41 at 174 pounds to make the score 21-10.

Sophomore's Julian Smith (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) and Ross Janney (Daleville, Ind./Yorktown) earned back-to-back victories at 197 pounds and heavyweight, respectively, but it wouldn't be enough and McKendree fell 25-17. Smith earned a major decision win, 14-2, over Todd Brier, while Janney edged Tim Tuaquoi 3-2 in the final match of the evening.

University of Central Missouri - 25
McKendree University - 17

125- Laramie Allenbaugh (UCM) by forfeit
133- Brenden Murphy (McK) def. Hunter Neighbors, MD 9-1
141- Eric Mateo (UCM) pinned Steven Bradtmueller (McK), Fall 4:05
149- Nick Viterisi (UCM) def. Devin Patterson (McK), Dec. 6-2
157- Mike Boyd (UCM) def. Aaron Batchelder (McK), Dec. 8-1
165- Ty Loethen (UCM) def. Nick Haferkamp (McK), Dec. 5-2
174- Isaiah Gonzalez (McK) pinned Jake Hawks (UCM), Fall 3:41
184- Clarence Neely (UCM) def. Luis Alba (McK), MD 17-4
197- Julian Smith (McK) def. Todd Brier (UCM), MD 14-2
HWT- Ross Janney (McK) def. Tim Tuaquoi (UCM), Dec. 3-2