OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Lander wrestling team picked up bonus points in four of its five match victories on Thursday night to defeat Kentucky Wesleyan, 23-20, at the Woodward Health and Recreation Center. 

The Bearcats' longest dual road trip in team history started well, as Lander (2-2) scored forfeit wins at 184 and 197 to take a quick 12-0 advantage.

Kentucky Wesleyan (2-2) stormed back with three consecutive wins to move in front 14-12 before Elijah Gray (141) turned the tide with a 16-5 major decision, giving Lander a 16-14 lead. The Panthers reclaimed the lead with a narrow 4-3 decision at 149, but Bryson Ethington (157) grabbed the momentum back for Lander with a 9-4 decision. With the team score 19-17 in favor of the Bearcats, Angel Hernandez (165) gave Lander its biggest result of the night, notching a 13-3 major decision to extend the Bearcat lead to 23-17. 

Needing a pin to tie the match, Kentucky Wesleyan could manage only a 5-3 decision over Brice Harkness (174), giving Lander its first road win in program history.  

The Bearcats will compete in the NCWA Collegiate Open on Friday. 

#cLawsUp | @LanderWrestling