MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team dropped the Mid-American Conference opener with Central Michigan, 18-15, at McQuirk Arena Friday night.

"We split the matches at five," said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. "This team is progressing every week toward our end goal. Proud of the buy in."

The Huskies (2-5, 0-1) opened up a 9-3 lead in the dual, which began at 149, winning three of the first four matches. McCoy Kent (Modesto, Calif./Enochs) started the match off on a positive note for NIU with a 5-3 win over Dresden Simon at 149.

After a Huskie setback at 157, NIU won back-to-back matches to take a 9-3 lead. Kenny Moore (San Diego, Calif./Hoover) began the run with a 7-2 win over Bret Fedewa at 165. Brit Wilson (Mexico, Mo./Mexico) then scored a 4-2 win at 174 over Collin Lieber.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, the lead would be short-lived. Central Michigan (1-2, 1-0) went on to win the next four matches, including a pin fall victory at 285.

Alijah Jeffery (Marion, Iowa/Linn Mar) and Anthony Cheloni (South Elgin, Ill./Marmion Academy) stemmed the tide, scoring wins at 133 and 141, respectively. Jeffery defeated Brock Bergelin, 7-4, while Cheloni shutout Drew Marten, 3-0, in the final match of the night.

The Huskies return to action Saturday, Dec. 29 when NIU competes in the 56th Annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships. The event will be held at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates.

Central Michigan 18, Northern Illinois 15

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Dual started at 149 pounds

125: Drew Hildebrandt (CMU) def. Bryce West (NIU), 8-4

133: Alijah Jeffery (NIU) def. Brock Bergelin (CMU), 7-4

141: Anthony Cheloni (NIU) def. Drew Marten (CMU), 3-0

149: McCoy Kent (NIU) def. Dresden Simon (CMU), 5-3

157: Logan Parks (CMU) def. Mason Kauffman (NIU), 3-1

165: Kenny Moore (NIU) def. Bret Fedewa (CMU), 7-2

174: Brit Wilson (NIU) def. Collin Lieber (CMU), 4-2

184: Jordan Atienza (CMU) def. Will Feldkamp (NIU), 5-3

197: Landon Pelham (CMU) def. Max Ihry (NIU), 3-2

285: Matt Stencel (CMU) pinned Caleb Gossett (NIU), 42 seconds

-NIU-